A Lifetime of Chances

My latest projects :)

2011-11-10T12:05:00.000-08:00

So, here are my most recent layouts.

Candy Girls is using Scrapagogo kit - I love it but need to really get stuck into it. Not keen on this LO at all!

You and..... well I think I need to add an I. This was Ifa's first class.

Wow I did this one ages ago! Scrapagogo again :)

I think this one is a Sketchy Thursdays sketch. Scrapagogo again...

And again......

Oh and one more time!

Hmmm this will be Gogo again. Sketch by Sketchy Thursdays I think. Need to get around to adding a bow of twine around my bunting.

Ifa's second class. Love this one. Look how little paper paper we used!

Thanks for looking :)

Let's not dwell....

2011-11-08T11:40:00.000-08:00

...on the fact that I haven't blogged for almost two months. There's no point me apologising, since it's my prerogative to blog or not to blog, and listing the reasons why would just bore you. Let's just say I'm in a phase of my life where scrapping and blogging come a long way down the list of my priorities. Sad, but true.

So, since I last popped on here to say hello, alot and not alot has happened.

We survived the remainder of the summer holidays and continued to have a whole heap of fun. Including such things as a Bank Holiday picnic in the park, where it rained, but we continued to sit, as only us Brits do, in the raining, cold, wet and yet still persisting with our picnic.

We extended our little family a little more, and welcomed Galaxy and Orbit into our lives. We love them more than we thought possible, and think our family is now finally complete :)

Bella started school and looked super-cute in her uniform. She didn't settle at first, I'm guessing because she found it hard to be one of 23, rather than the whole universe revolving around her. She's settled now though and loves school, and is already reading little words!

Jon took me to see Madam Butterfly at our local theatre, a show I've been wanting to see for ages. Lisa and Ralph arrived, and we went to a wedding, all in one weekend.

I went back to work and am now working pretty much full-time.

We have started looking at new schools for Cam and feel very confused about it all.

Half-term soon came around, and we spent a lovely week relaxing, walking, playing, swimming.

Then we went to Centerparcs and had a wonderful time there.

In amongst all this Maddie left gymnastics, joined Brownies, went on a Brownie Camp, left Brownies and re-joined Gymnastics. We had a day at the river, a day at the sea, a day by the lake and some days in the garden with a slide and paddling pool. Cam started rugby and made the first team. Jon got down on one knee and proposed another ten years with me and presented me with a beautiful ring. That reminds me, we celebrated our tenth weddng anniversary. My baby brother turned 18.

I had a sad couple of weeks but know that life goes on. News came which put our money worries and cold house/dead boiler into perspective.

We had Halloween parties, Parent's Evenings, trips to the cinema, some meals out, some poker, various social evenings,

Last weekend we had our bi-annual Cropaganza, this time with Ifa Zainon teaching us three lovely classes, and we had a great day.

Today I went to a cupcake decorating workshop with Deb and Julie where we had a lot of fun, but have not left as Cupcake Connoisseurs.

Very little scrapping has been done, and my stash is piling up. Life is hectic and busy but I'm hoping to get back to it soon.

I'll leave you with these family pics, and tomorrow will upload some layouts that I've done over the past two months.

Feeling the love baby!

2011-08-19T09:49:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah, I'm feeling it!
Now that my children are all wrapped up in their new Spy Club (named MIC), they are happily plotting and playing during the evenings (yes I know now I've said that, that'll be the end of it!), and so wine in hand, TV on, I've spent yet another evening scrapping. Go me!

Not only that, I've also been in and out of my room, digging out little bits and bobs I've recently rediscovered, and really forced myself to take a little more time, and not just use what happens to be in the box.

And yes, the mists are well and truly being used up. I know. But I did tell you that these Maya Mists are fantastic, didn't I? So to prove my point I went and bought another four shades.

So my first LO is Daydream. A photo of a rare moment of Bella sitting still and being quiet. I wonder what she was thinking about..... I've used a Tattered Angels Chipboard shape as a mask, and then rubbed a little ink on my finger and over the chipboard to pick out the embossed design.

I've used a rub-on frame here too, which I've had for well over two years!

My second LO is Funny Face. Yes, those mists have been at it again. I decided to go for a theme of circles and turned my punched circles over to use as circles. Couple of rub-ons again! I also thought, what's the point of chucking that piece of paper which I've punched from? I think it looks quite cool!

Oh, and sketches? What sketches!

Thanks for stopping by!

I've remembered that I love scrapping.....

2011-08-18T06:23:00.000-07:00

Recently I have contemplated giving up scrapping.... I mean, the pressure of knowing I have all those kits backed up and all that stash, sometimes it's just too much for me, and knowing that I'm not going to get more free time anytime soon, I had actually thought about giving up.
But this week I've powered on through, I did a couple of layouts without using a sketch, and last night I managed a LO while the kids were actually up and awake, and then this morning I had the adrenaline rush of opening new stash, so I've decided, i'll stick with it a while longer......

From September I'll be working five days a week, which will really cut into my time, but I'm good at juggling, i'll just have to juggle some more. I'd really appreciate you all spurring me on though!

So, here are my latest layouts.

So the first one, "splash and run", well I know that was a sketch but apologies I can't remember whose. It never ceases to amuse me how kids just want to chase the waves but then run away and scream. And they can do this over and again, and it continues to happen!

This next one, about Cam, was done without using a sketch!!! Go me!!! Having recently tidied up my craft room, I found some bits and pieces i'd forgotten about and this inspired me to have a dig around and not just use what's in the kit. I love this lo. I love doing boy layouts and love using black. Like my bubble wrap stamp? Some of you might not understand this LO, but believe me, Cam is a different boy from a while ago, and truly Jon and I never thought he'd get to where he is now. We love him so much.

This next layout, "the drop" was done with the Sketchy Thursdays sketch. Cam and Maddie think that there is a big "drop" in the sea where it goes from shallow to deep, and they spent every day of their holiday inching closer and closer to the drop.... You may know how fixated Cam can be, and this was his fixation for the two weeks we were on holiday. Lol. Again, I've used some bits and pieces not in my kit and this has really helped me get back into enjoying scrapping.

This layout here, is all about Maddie at this point in time. She needs to fill in the journaling prompts. I think this was a Sketchy Thursday sketch too.

I love this photo of Jon and Bella. They have a real connection. Funny how people can just get a real bond. This was another of my non-sketch layouts, which feels like a real achievement and is just another way to help me feel like i've got back into it. I've used the packaging of one of the kit items on here, and dug out my rub-ons too - which I have a box-full of, but never use!

Finally, this layout of Jon. Again, no sketch. I love this photo of him, he looks so handsome. Jon is not happy with my journaling on this, so I added the little sticker at the bottom! Basically, I have written that I don't really believe in "soulmates" but that we do ok. Ok, maybe it's not very romantic. But we're about to celebrate our tenth anniversary so it's not all bad!

You may notice I've used misting on some of my LOs. I can't recommend enough the Maya mists. They are really great, much better than Glimmer Mist. The paper doens't warp and the colours are really bright and vibrant. I shall be investing in more colours soon. And lastly, all LOs are done using Scrapagogo kits.

Thanks for looking!

Told you I'd be back!

2011-08-09T05:30:00.000-07:00

So these are my latest layouts. When it came to it, I only had three to share since two still need finishing. The first layout here comes from a sketch Lisa did here. As you know, I'm a huge fan of sketches, and although there's no shame in it, I do wish that these days I could do a LO without relying on a sketch.
All layouts are created using Scrapagogo kits.

Thanks for looking - I'll be back!

Yes it's me, it really really is!!!

2011-08-08T08:56:00.000-07:00

I know that far too often I start writing a blog post about how long it's been since I last posted, and how busy I've been and blah blah blah.... And I admit I've been putting off writing this post for a while since I just don't know where to start. And then I read this post here and thought how her post could almost be mine, and that in fact Sarah's post before inspired me to write a list of everything I've done in the month and somehow maybe I should try and combine the two methods. And breathe!
So, the reason I haven't been blogging so much is that I've been working a lot, and scrapping less, and doing more (other stuff) and so I have less time for blogging, and also less stuff to blog about. Well, crafty stuff anyway.

Now, I know I always say this, but the past month has truly been ridiculously busy. I'll start by doing a quick run-down of the past month's events and then cover some in a little more detail for those family members who may just be a teensy bit interested.

I spent a weekend in Brighton on a hen weekend. I had chips on the pier, chilled on the beach, mooched round the shops in peace and enjoyed sending my oldest friend off to get married!
I went to see Take That - in Amsterdam!
I was a bridesmaid for my oldest friend. This was my fourth time as a bridesmaid!
My girls were also bridesmaids - their first times
I went for a meal with work colleagues - yummy thai as per usual.
I met up with my scrappy friends and had lots of cuddles with my new honorary neice Mya.
My boy went on his first cubs camp
I had a fantastic afternoon with work colleagues at the staff celebration
I went on a great photography course with Deb and Kerry and took my camera off manual.
My baby spent a whole day in big school
I had a Stampin' Up workshop which of course went on far too late ;) Jon enjoyed this too!
I went glamping with my girlfriends and our children and had a lovely, if emotional at times, time.
I had a girly night with the bride in a gorgeous hotel followed by a night with my family in a luxurious suite
I went to Amsterdam on a four-day mini break and laughed just far too much.
I caught up with an old friend who I haven't seen for a while, and was pleased to see her life is getting on track
I caught up with her again and we had a great night out with pints, wine, and a curry
I slacked off my exercise regime but got back on again and it feels great to be back!
I finished work for a few weeks, but heard that I will be increasing my hours from September which I'm excited about.
I did about four layouts and various cards.
My two children got fantastic school reports.
We threw away the stabilisers from the smallest bike,
My son went to the park with his friends on his own - no mummy or daddy!
The kids took up street dancing - and then it was cancelled after four weeks.

I don't know what the next few months will bring in terms of blogging and scrapping. Other things in my life are more important at the moment. But in between work, crops, family, kids, friends and exercising, I will try to keep in touch. But I am often checking out your blogs too.

Here are a few photos from the past month...

I have a day to myself - well, ish, tomorrow, so I will post again with my latest layouts - I do actually have some to share!

Thanks for stopping by :) (and not forgetting me)

CROP CANCELLED!!!

2011-06-30T02:52:00.000-07:00

UNFORTUNATELY THIS MONTH'S CROP IS CANCELLED!!!!!

PLEASE KEEP IN TOUCH FOR AUIGUST'S CROP WHICH WILL DEFINTELY BE ON!!!

I AM HAVING A STAMPIN' UP DEMO EVENING ON FRIDAY 15TH JULY FROM 7PM - PLEASE COME ALONG AND TAKE A LOOK AT ALL THE LOVELY PROJECTS AND PRODUCTS, PLUS TAKE PART IN DEMO DEB'S CARD CLASS!!! LEAVE A COMMENT IF YOU'D LIKE TO COME..

XXX

Short and sweet!

2011-06-21T12:26:00.000-07:00

I'm afraid all I have to share this week is my Sketchy Thursdays 6.16 sketch. Here it is!

Hopefully back soon!

Half-term, the new "me", two Thais and a German, oh and some layouts!

2011-06-08T09:40:00.000-07:00

May and the first week of June have, as per usual, gone by me in a blur. I started May determined to get some scrapping done, but then decided that actually, losing weight and getting fit was more important, so of course I tried to do everything. This is what has happened in my life since I last blogged, and in no particular order!:

I went to see Hangover 2 - seriously funny, and totally wrong. I need to see that again.
I spent a day at Drayton Manor and let Cam talk me into doing three things I hate: queue for an hour, go on a scary ride, and get wet. All in one go. I told him he was no son of mine.
Bella started gymnastics. Super-confidently of course.
I went shopping for bridesmaids dresses for my little - ahem - angels.
I started running. Not particularly well. I actually thought my heart would explode out of my chest and land in a bloody pulsating heap on the ground but still, you know me, I had to WIN and be BEST and therefore I stuck at it and now I can run a fair distance without dropping down dead.
I also started going to Zumba classes. This was a real challenge for me. But I did it. Then I did it again, on my own, and now I'm going three times a week and starting Bootcamp on Sunday.
I've lost 6lb and and am totally motivated to lose another 6lb.
I went to the Crop and did some layouts which I was pleased with.
We had two young girls from Korea and Thailand come to live with us for ten days. This was fun, but tiring. We all cried when they went home.
I had a night out with some girlfriends. It ended ok, but the next morning was not good. I've really cut down on my alcohol consumption, you see, and I just wasn't used to it!
I helped out at school, and enjoyed that and wish I could do more of it.
I bought a maxi dress and a jumpsuit but haven't had the chance to wear either yet. Weather!
We went to Aston Hall - again - on a lovely day and I wandered round imagining life in a home like that, hundreds of years ago.....
I convinced myself I was dying, but actually I'm not. That was a relief.

Let me share with you, my latest layouts. These first two have been published in The Scrapbook Magazine recently, so I can now show them to you.

This layout is using my April (?) gogo Kit and Sketchy Thursdays sketch 6.02. I have to buy those rosette dies when I have some money....

This layout is a scraplift from Theresa, founder of Scrapbookers Anonymous. I've used Maya Mists on here, for the first time, and I can't recommend them enough - they're fantastic and I now intend to go out and buy every single colour, when I have some money. Theresa's is the second one...

This last layout uses a Page Maps sketch. I adore this photo of Bella. I want to get a huge print of it to hang in the house. You know, when I have some money.....

And finally, here are my children with the two girls who came to stay with us, Genya and Yuri. They were really so sweet and the house just feels so quiet and empty now :(

Challenge-tastic!

2011-05-12T07:51:00.000-07:00

Knowing how uncompetitive I am, you may well be surprised that I rise to a challenge quite so readily! Yes, it's taken me by surprise too - Deb sets a small challenge, or chooses a sketch and no sooner have I downloaded it than my glue is in my hand and I'm on a roll! Last night, it was the turn of Creative Scrappers and their most recent sketch, #155.Again, I have used my Scrapagogo March kit, and added in some Chalkboard mist, a Prima swirl, Fancy Pants Alphabet and some canvas flowers which I've cut in half to look like clouds and misted. I'm pleased with those as I'd had them in my bag for a while and nothing ever seemed quite right for them.

My second layout again used the Gogo kit, and a sketch but I can't remember whose sketch it was! Feel free to leave a comment!! I only found it this week and I know it's a recent one. Sorry!

Layout 2

And finally, a card. Fashion themed

Thanks for stopping by!

Cyber cropping...across the universe....

2011-05-10T06:11:00.001-07:00

*singing to the tune of Star Trekking*! You may not have a clue what I'm on about if you're younger than 30!!! Ignore me, I'm just entertaining myself.

So last night I decided to stop sitting around on my fat bum watching crap TV all evening, as has been my habit recently, and get some scrapping done. Saturday's crop had motivated me so much, and I'd made a dent in some of my stash, so I facebooked Deb and off we went.

As you know, I adore using sketches recently. I think my brain is so frazzled at the moment, that I actually struggle to get started without a sketch. It's nothing to be ashamed of, this is why sketches are invented!

So I logged onto Sketchy Thursday and picked out their most recent one.I've used my Scrapagogo kit here, only adding in a couple of buttons. Have we already discussed my new found love of coloured cardstock?? I am so over neutrals you know. I love picking out a colour in my photo, and this photo of Cam in his new tshirt and new gappy smile was no exception. Kraft?? Pah! It's colour all the way for me now!I love these pictures of Cam. Yes, he does look slightly wild and vampire-ish (I have been telling him recently to put his fangs away), but my he's growing into a handsome young lad, and he's a very special boy. He gets so fed up with mummy and camera poking into his face, but he's good and patient and spares me a few minutes.

And another thing I adore is the Sassafras alphabet stickers. I love them. Why I don't have them in every rainbow colour I do not know. They are so cheap and versatile.

Oh and one more thing I'm crazy about? My "sanded" stamp from Stampin' Up. Now I use this stamp on virtually every LO I do, and I truly don't know how I survived without it. On this LO it not only mirrors the print on the yellow paper (Basic Grey), but this stamp also just takes the edge off papers and gives them a slightly worn and faded look. If you like it, contact Deb, she's my own personal Stampin' Up Demonstrator.

Speaking of Deb, how did any of us survive before she started blogging?!

Thanks for stopping by!

National Scrapbooking Day revives one's enthusiasm for this expensive sport!!!

2011-05-08T11:55:00.000-07:00

Wow I should really be on a newspaper, don't you think, with headlines like that?! lol

So this weekend we scrapbookers have been celebrating National Scrapbooking Day. Of course, there was a time once when every day felt like National Scrapbooking Day, the days when I was completely obsessed and it was all I could think about. Sadly, this hasn't been the case recently, and *horror* I have even contemplated giving up and selling all my stash. How stupid. I have looked bad to the good old days when my children were younger and life was easier and I had more free time, and felt a little bit resentful, if I'm honest, that things have changed and moved on. Of course, the kids are so much more fun these days, little people with whom I can comunicate with on a "proper" level, play things that actually interest me too, etc etc, but the days of early bedtimes and naps during the day are long gone. I used to think the baby days were hard, but in truth, it just gets harder as they get older. But wait, I'm not complaining, truly, it's just hard to fit everything in, that's all.

Anyway. Yesterday I had to work, so I missed the first part of the crop, but do you know what? I've gotta say (and sorry Libby O), that the crop yesterday I think was quite possibly the nicest we've had in a long time. I don't know why, it just all came together nicely. We missed a lot of our regulars, but I think that it was all down to our newly-promoted Director of Challenges, Demo Deb. She done us proud. It spurred us all on, and of course me, not being at all competitive, well I found it quite hard to get motivated, having arrived late an' all. I saw the girls whizzing on and felt like just giving up and having a cuppa. YEAH RIGHT!!!! I did four layouts and completed all the challenges. OF COURSE!!!!

So, thanks Deb, unfortunately for you, you've set a precedent now, and we all expect such motivational and thought-provoking tools as you provided us with this weekend. And now for the layouts.

1) Sketch provided by Page Maps, and stash from Scrapagogo.

2) Challenge - to produce a LO scrapbooking related, or with a photo of oneself, and to say what you love about scrapbooking.
3) Sketch provided by Creative Scrappers: 4) Deb very kindly asked us to scraplift one of my LOs that was published in SBM a while ago, Thanks Deb!! This one is the original:

And this is my new version!

Scrapology!

2011-05-02T02:43:00.000-07:00

I was very flattered to be asked if my LO could be used to feature on a challenge blog. It was a LO that had earlier been featured in the Scrapbook Magazine, under the theme of Sinful Scrapping!

Scrapology - Adventures in Scrapbooking have taken a sketch from the LO and scraplifted it - please follow the link to the blog and take a look! Why not join in? As you know, I'm a big fan of sketches, and having recently lost my mojo, have found that I can't even get started without a sketch these days! It's a great way to kick-start your scrapping.

Scrapology

I've been a bad bad blogger recently, so here are my latest layouts!

This one, using Sassafras I bought at the Gogo retreat, a stunning photo of Maddie I've used a few times now, and a Pencil Lines sketch (I think):

This LO using Echo Park Little Girl:

This was the Midnight Madness challenge at the Gogo retreat. I never scrap photos of myself so this was a challenge. We to be fair, just having the photo taken was a challenge! We were given a mystery kit, and I was so lucky with mine, together with a sketch. This has ignited a love of all things green!

Told you - green! Another photo I've used before, with the February (?) Gogo kit, and a sketch from Pagemaps (I think!):

Ditto the above:

I adore this photo:

Ditto above, again!

This is a double LO, using a picture that Cam drew and subsequently won a colouring competitionn with. There's a story to it... I always want to use his pictures on my pages and this was my first attempt. It didn't turn out how I imagined, but as I said, my mojo is really well hidden at the moment :(

If you do pop on over to Scrapology and scraplift my LO please leave a comment and I'll check it out! I'd love to see what you've done :)

Thanks for stopping by!

more pics for the family!

2011-04-18T12:11:00.000-07:00

For anyone who's interested, meaning Dad, Mum, Lisa and possibly Deb?! Here's a few more pics from our holiday so far!

Love you Cam looking so happy and relaxed, I worried I'd never see the day... Cameron feeling contemplative....Baby baby baby oh!!! It's Bieber fever, or should I say, Chance fever??!

Nanny and Grandpa....

Ooo la la!!

2011-04-14T12:27:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry to say that this blog post is completely non-scrapping related, so if you're a scrapper who has no interest in my personal life, feel free to depart. Go on, blog on. I won't be offended!

This week, the Chances are, en masse, in the South of France. We have the most amazing villa, overlooking the Mediterranean, and it's blissful.

It took us two days to get here, and there was a loooooooot of driving. The kids were angels. They sat in the car and were as good as gold. We had a one-night stop off at Macon, where we stayed in a little motel just overlooking a river. Cam had snails that night. Yes Cam, who will only eat foods that he's eaten since he was a baby and rarely tries anything new.

We have been really chilled so far, and haven't done alot apart from venturing out to two or three different beaches, and mostly staying by our own pool.

The kids went wild on the beach. I don't think I have ever seen them so happy! Maddie went bonkers, running around the beach in just her knickers just completely crazy. Cam had a serious job in hand, complete with a full set of plans drawn up the previous evening. And Bella was pottering, with a task that only she knew, and was happy on her own. It was lovely to see and I can't wait to get these photos printed out and the memories recorded.

Here are a few pics so far. If you do happen to be one of my scrapping buddies, you can see I have a lot of scrapping material!

Norralorra scrapping, but an awful lot of screaming!

2011-03-20T13:40:00.000-07:00

My beautiful daughter Maddie turns 7 this week. I'm sure you all know how scary it is just how time flies. I cannot believe that 7 years have passed since the day I remember so clearly like it was yesterday. Anyway, she has grown up into a stunning, clever, kind, articulate, bright girl, who at the moment appears to be talented at just about everything. So we wanted to reward her with whatever party she wanted for her birthday. Maddie, anything you want, you can have. Oh dear. Big mistake. Few games at home? No problem. Pizza Hut party? Yes it's yours. Eight of my friends sleeping over? Ah. Wellllll, I did promise.... lol.

So, yesterday was a screaming frenzy of giggling, excited girls, all pink, sparkly and squeaky. It all went off without a hitch, the sun was shining, Madeleine was beaming and everyone was happy. If you'd have come round, you would not have known I had 11 children under the age of 8 in my house. They were angels. Of course we had a few tears at bedtime, but to be honest, mainly caused by the demon of the house - Bella.

It was lovely to see all the girls having so much fun. Maddie has a wonderful circle of friends who she's known since she was two and they are all growing up to be such nice girls.

I can't show photos of the party but here's some of the past week or so.

Scrapping will occur this weekend!

PS I forgot to mention in my list for February that Maddie and I were proper teeny-boppers at XFactor Live!!!

I've been busy scrapping even though I've been ever so quiet!

2011-03-07T10:52:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry I've been such a bad blogger for the past month. February was a blur of work, cooking, washing, taxi-ing, kids, work and actually quite a bit of socialising! In a nutshell, this is what happened to me in February, and not necessarily in any order:

We had a adults-only weekend in London. Actually, that sounds a little oo-er, and in fact at one point I did wonder, when my friend referred to "the swingers". Hmmm. Actually "the swingers" are little tickets that attach to one's lapel and allows you into the members-only area of Twickenham. Phew. We went to see England v France, met some of the England team, drooled over Toby Flood, and generally had a great time!
We had a lovely half-term, which included a trip to Sandwell Valley Farm on a beautiful sunny day.
Cameron was evacuated and looked super-cute.
Cam has also become a Cub Scout, we were proud.
I had two trips to the hospital. Neither revealed anything surprising. My damaged nerves are still damaged, and my slightly odd son is still slightly odd.
We had a lovely roast dinner with some good friends on a cold sunday afternoon. Actually, we did this twice.
Valentine's day passed us by, or rather was low-key for Jon, whilst I received an abundance of gifts.
I cried in front of all my friends. My friends never see me cry. I am tough. But these friends are special and just for a moment I let them in. I have been overwhelmed the past few weeks and for a second I needed to let it out.
We had a couple of poker nights and I went from terrible to slightly better.
I went to Parents' Evening and came out incredibly proud. My children are wonderful. Bright, pleasant, polite, hardworking, and everything I want them to be and more.
I went out for a curry, a thai, a pizza, a roast, a pub lunch. Oh another curry. Yeah the diet's going great!
I had a little retail therapy in the form of boots (always needed), a handbag (even more essential), clothes (nice) and stash.
I didn't drink too much at any point.
I scrapped quite a bit, but not as much as I'd like.
I made cards and quite a few at that.
I had an eye test and it turns out I don't have a brain tumour, but the iphone has not helped my eyes.
I went to work a fair bit, enjoyed it, and hope to do some more.
I went for dinner at some new friends and drove home. Wow, I never drive home!
We had the Cropaganza which was fun but damn near killed me!
I hurt my family but I have tried to make amends.
We went to Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and decided it isn't as good as it used to be.
Oh god I just remembered another curry. Actually, this was a special one, with friends over in Leicestershire, who have just got engaged and have asked Jon to be best man (silly, silly people). Plus a special question will be on its way for Maddie! This was yet another child-free night away (we haven't done badly this month!)

I think that covers it. You can see I've been busy. Now let me share with you my latest layouts and cards. Hopefully by the next time I post, I will have bought my new camera lens, as this one is just pants!!! All layouts (I think) have used sketches, so credit to Pagemaps, Pencil Lines and Sketchy Thursday - thanks :) Woops I just noticed I've used the same photo twice below! Oh well, it's a good one, as at this point in time, it was a rare thing to see Cam so happy and carefree.

Sketchy Thursday (well it was Tuesday really!)

2011-02-02T08:50:00.000-08:00

I had a naughty little treat yesterday and got some scrapping done with my two best scrapping buddies! More giggles than scrapping, but nevertheless two layouts done!

This one was done using a sketch from My Little Sketchbook:

This one with a sketch from Sketchy Thursday!

And this one from Pagemaps - again!

We've had an offer on our house today - watch this space!

CROPAGANZA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-02-01T12:23:00.000-08:00

If you're free on Saturday 5th March, you won't want to miss this.....!

The Bromsgrove Cropaganza has become a twice-a-year event, due to demand (and boy, my ladies are demanding!), so this March it's due again and do I have something special lined up???!! (that's a yes, I do, by the way!)

Not only will we have the usual fantastic raffle, challenges, giggles, huuuuuuge cakes, delicious lunch etc, and the wonderful company we've all become used to, but we also..... have.......... Kirsty Wiseman (!) coming to teach us three gorgeous classes.

Kirsty is very well-known in the scrapping, card-making and generally crafty world. She designs for anyone who's anyone including Scrapagogo, and has made regular contributions to The Scrapbook Magazine, Crafts Beautiful, plus TV appearances on QVC. So, you can see that she knows her stuff, and we are so excited that she's going to be teaching us a thing or two.

We do have some spaces for this event, we're going to squeeze in as many as we can. So, if you would like to come along, here are some of the details:

* Crop runs from 10:30am-midnight (if you can stay up that late!)
* Skrapz bringing their shop for some essential stash shopping!
* Special tutor coming to teach 2-3 classes - all materials included
* Drinks, snacks, lunch provided and included in cost
* Super-duper raffle
* Optional challenges on the day

Cost: £40 to include classes, materials and lunch
Cropping only: £15
Tea - optional extra £3.50 (or bring your own)

If you're interested please email me or leave a comment asap. I'll get straight back to you with details of how to reserve your place.

FYI, our crop is based just 5 mins from M5 J4 or M42 J1

Scrapbook Magazine

2011-01-20T02:37:00.000-08:00

I had a surprise delivery today of a box of layouts that have been published in the Scrapbook Magazine over the past few months. Here they are if you missed them :)

Skrapz Write Kit - Four Ways Challenge

Scrapping Sins

Sketch Challenge

Working with Acetate

Heritage photos with a modern feel

Milestones

Inspired by animals

School Days

Layout and card!!

2011-01-19T08:39:00.000-08:00

Ugh I cannot for the life of me think of a better title for this post. I've had an emotionally exhausing day and started to type up how the past 24 hours has been a rollercoaster of emotions, as my life always seems to be, and then thought how boring that was for you. So, scrap that ('scuse the pun), and let me just show you my two projects from last night. LO once again done using a sketch from Page Maps 2 (seriously, my next 5 LOs will be done without sketches), and using Scrapagogo November kit. And card, well thats just pretty but happens to have MME papers - I think Alphabet Soup?? Or did I make that up.....

Thanks for stopping by!

Catching up!

2011-01-18T03:28:00.000-08:00

Now that the kids are back at school and everything's back to normal (well, nothing is ever normal in this house but you know what I mean!), I have had a chance to do some scrapping. I should be doing housework, but...... Anyway, I've got 3 Scrapagogo kits sat here, and you know how that stresses me out. So I made a large dent in my new Circa 1935, then tackled my November kit. This hasn't been my favourite, but that's not to say I don't like it - I love it! I was surprised to see how I could get some sunny, holiday LOs out of it too. I have half a LO sat on my desk from the same kit which is much more sombre, and this is what I love about these kits - the challenge of making the LOs look so different using the same collection of products.

Before Christmas I bought a vintage atlas - it's really old but I wanted it specifically for a project I had in mind. On this LO I've used a piece of it, having cut around the destination of our holiday. **edited to add: I should explain the title - the journaling says (along the lines of...!) "on the last day of our holiday we went sightseeing, it took ages to get to the cathedral in the scorching heat, we took one look and headed for the nearest bar! We spent a long leisurely afternoon eating drinking and people watching! Best lunch of the holiday!"

I've also made a card today for a friend who's got a special birthday coming up.

Due to being nearly out of glue, I got stuck into my craft room this morning rather than finishing my LO. And I feel all inspired and ready to go again. Roll on this evening!

I'm sad to say I have barely any photos from Christmas or Cam's birthday, so I've just added on my To Do List - get new camera lens.

Thanks for stopping by!

Skrapz!

2011-01-16T11:33:00.000-08:00

On Saturday I went across to Shrewsbury to teach a mini-book class. We had a great day, as usual a lovely bunch of ladies, and although I think most of our brains hurt with figuring out how to cut paper for non-symmetrical boards (I guess you had to be there!), the end results were looking fab!

For those of you who didn't finish, here are my pages: Please get your books finished and leave a comment with a link to your own blogs so I can see your finished book.

Thanks for Skrapz for having me again!

Cover

Page 1

Page 2

Page 3

Page 4

Page 5

Page 6

Page 7

Page 8

Page 9

Page 10

Page 11

Page 12

Page 13

Page 14

Page 15

Love the Cosmo!

2011-01-11T12:18:00.000-08:00

I was incredibly lucky to have for Christmas this gorgeous paper pack.

Not only that, but co-ordinating dolly pegs filled with ribbons, plus buttons and tiny alphas. A stunning kit from my good friend Rae. I always love Cosmo Cricket, but haven't bought any for myself for a while. When we first saw Circa 1934, I immediately said that it was so Rachael - the colours and patterns just completely complement her style. I love these papers, although if I'm honest, I probably wouldn't have bought them for myself, but only really because I wouldn't have been brave enough to. They are bold and striking, and like I said, more like Rachael's style than my own. But boy am I glad she did buy them for me, because I am addicted! I always love incorporating black into my LOs, and using black cardstock was fun. I have really enjoyed using them, and if I get a chance, I'll be back onto it tonight! I was also lucky enough to receive Page Maps 2, and if you have it yourself, you should be able to recognise the sketches I've used her. So, all credit to Page Maps for the sketches I've used. And here are my latest offerings:

I have also broken into one of my pile of Scrapagogo kits. Well, I say "pile" but really it's only two. And I'll carry on with this tonight.

Finally, a LO I threw together using scraps from my Skrapz kit. Don't forget, if you're free this saturday you can come along to Shrewsbury and do a gorgeous mini-book and this LO. I think there are a couple of places left. We'd love to see you!

I don't have much else to say just at the moment. We are currently busy preparing for two special birthdays in the house - it's Cam's today and then Bella's on the 25th. It's quite absurd to think of buying toys just 3 weeks after christmas, but of course there are still things on their wish-lists (don't even ask me what's on Bella's she gets more ambitious by the day!).

Sad decision :(

2011-01-06T10:49:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone

After an awful lot of thinking, I have decided to stop running the Thursday night crops. This has been a really hard decision, as a couple of you will know, and one that I have been mulling over for several months.

There are several reasons for this decision, but the overriding factor has been the unpredictability of numbers, and to organise it has just got harder and harder for me.

I know that there are a one or two of you who will be disappointed, and I'm really sorry for you. I am disappointed too, particularly as we've run the Thursdays for almost 3 years now, and for us die-hard croppers, it's an evening we very much looked forward to.

Of course, if anyone else would like to take over the running of the Thursday nights, please do feel free!

The Saturdays will continue for as long as I am able to make it work and fit in with my own family commitments.

I'm sure I'm a winner!!!

2010-12-23T09:04:00.000-08:00

If you know me, you'll know that I'm very competitive. I like to call myself motivated and driven, but in it's basic form, it's really just that I like to win.

And I'm positive that my icicles have to have been the biggest around!!! Our house was absolutely covered in icicles, but the ones on the back of the house were the best. Maddie and Bella both have rooms at the back, and spent days competing (oh god, that DNA!) for the title of longest icicle! Maddie won with one which went past her windowsill!!

Anyway, the start of this post was written before christmas and of course so much has happened in the past week.

We had a lovely christmas eve with the crib service where the kids were angels (yeah right) and cam was a shepherd. Followed by a lovely evening at a friends house before coming home and leaving the mince pie and port etc for Father Christmas. Check out the footprints he left in the morning!

The children all enjoyed opening their presents (I was woken at 4:45 am but we've forgiven Cam as in the 7 years we've been parents this is the earliest we've been woken on Christmas morning by at least 3 hours). Bella was underwhelmed to say the least with her dolls house. Her list had all along been a pet elephant - a real one, a pet ladybird - a real one, and an aeroplane - a real one. She sets her sights high. And when all presents had been opened she couldn't understand where her pets were!

Christmas Day was the best we've had so far - very relaxed being just us, and after Jon had spent a couple of hours at the pub, we had a gorgeous, relaxed lunch just the Chances.

The rest of the holiday has been spent mainly with friends, with some family thrown in the mix too.

We were incredibly lucky, as usual, to have such wonderful parents, and in the case of Jon's parents, their gift to us was some peace and quiet. We had some money and dashed up to Ikea as soon as we could to kit out our new sitting room#2. It's going to be decorated in the New Year, but is all kitted out with new TV, DVD player, wii, sofa, gorgeous rug etc, and the double glazed doors ensure that kids and adults can entertain themselves in peace! Lovely!!

I'm sure I have plenty to share, but it's all gone from my mind now. We are now busy preparing to NYE, and ready to start those resolutions. I have lots. Do you?

Here are a few pics from over the past couple of weeks.

Thanks for stopping by!

PS, have you booked onto Skrapz yet?? My mini-book class is perfect for scrapping those snowy/christmassy memories!!!

Snowy Mini Book!

2010-12-22T01:43:00.000-08:00

Earlier this year, Skrapz invited me back to do a class for them. This time, they asked me to do a mini-book, which freaked me out a little as I don't "do" mini-books! Still, it was a good challenge for me, and once I saw the kit they sent me I couldn't wait to give it a go! I immediately knew that I was going to use my snowy pics from last year, but now want to do it all over again with all my new snowy pics from this week!

The end result is really lovely, in one of my favourite colour combinations - teal, brown, white and a splash of red. The kit was huge with loads of Fancy Pants papers, stickers, bling, ribbon, and more, together with a 7gypsies board book. The book is really versatile - if you'd prefer to make a banner it's perfect to be adapted for that. And with all the snow the past week or so, there's no way you can't have the perfect photos just waiting to be scrapped!!!! I've incorporated some stamping, cutting, banners and a lovely bling window (you'll have to see it to understand!).

So, on Saturday 15th January I'll be in Shrewsbury showing the Skrapz ladies how to recreate this lovely festive project! We'd love to see you there, I know there are a few places left, so pop on over to http://www.skrapz.co.uk/ for more information, or leave a comment and I'll get back to you!

CANCELLED

2010-12-16T04:39:00.000-08:00

CROP CANCELLED TONIGHT SORRY, SEE YOU IN THE NEW YEAR

......sorry :(

2010-12-02T11:24:00.000-08:00

.....I know I've been horrendously slack in blogging the past few weeks, in fact it's been almost a month since I last posted. Believe me, I have been busy creating and have "done lots", but I must admit that a) since my camera broke I have been a bit off blogging, b) I haven't felt I've had much to say, and c) I've been busy. We're all busy, I know that, and none more than us mums, but we're all working and we've all got lives and things to do, so there's no excuse really. So, sorry.

Anyway, since I last blogged these things have happened:

1. I made 40 christmas cards, 6 teachers gifts, 3 friends gifts, various birthday cards, 4 LOs, a mini-book and I'm sure there's something else.....

2. I've very nearly finished my christmas shopping, written my cards - including 75 for the kids! - started to wrap my gifts.

3. Had a lovely weekend for Jon's birthday which included a girly night (while he was playing poker) and a great Raclette meal with some really lovely, genuine friends.

4. I assembled the dolls house, nearly killed myself trying to get it into my wardrobe, measured it up, realised I most probably can't be bothered to decorate it and then hid it.

5. Spent a huge amount of time and worry over the December crop!

6. I got sucked into I'm a celebrity on top of The Apprentice, X Factor, Misfits and Desperate Housewives, meaning my eyes are almost square.

7. I got Jon a Kindle, which has to be the first present he's actually truly liked.

8. Began the Wednesday night gymnastics run. Birmingham, rush hour, rain/snow/dark, 3 and half hour round trip. Now that's dedication to your kids. This week we took homework with us and realised how we could really nail that during an otherwise waste of time.

9. Had a few fireworks. That was fun!

10. Did a bit of cooking and wished I had more time to do so.

11. Had a rather large leak downstairs causing the wooden floor to squish and squelch. Not nice. Floor = ruined.

12. Went Up North to visit Our Friends In The North. Jeez it's grim up there and I swiftly made a mental note Never To Relocate Up North. Lovely to see them though and the kids cried all the way home.

13. I went back to work, which I love, and continue to gain weight all down to their amazing school meals!!!

14. Oh and I made 3 christmas baubles!

So now I'm back in the land of blog, I hope to be able to keep on top of posting. Here are a few pics of my recent crafty achievements!

My layouts - 2 using my lovely Sassafras Indie Girl which I luuurrrrrve. I can't remember now if I used a sketch, so please accept my apologies if I haven't given credit. The third., with me as a baby....only those alphas would do but I just couldn't find a title I liked with the letters I had. So it had to be Libby which is a name I like for other people, but it doesn't sit right for me (although I know mum loves my Libby name). So, it's not my fave LO. But the papers are lush!

BTW, if you're coming to the crop on saturday, please bring something warm to wear and, if you have one, a portable heater. There is heating, but not much :)

and on to the next one.....

2010-11-05T12:13:00.001-07:00

I had my last quiet morning on my own today, until 6 weeks time when I break up for work again! So I managed another LO using the current Gogo kit, and even though I had enough left to do at least a couple more layouts I felt I'd kind of had enough of the kit. I loved this one, but I'd whizzed through it quite intensively, so I've packed away the rest and now moving on to the next projects. Of which I have many. I have christmas cards, two mini-books, a couple of other ideas for gifts, but I think the next one to start is this one: I heard a rumour that Father Christmas is delivering this for Bella on Christmas Eve and I would like to decorate the inside, complete with curtains. There is also furniture and I'd like to make sofa cushions, bedding and lightshades, but I'm hopeless at sewing so I'll have to think about that....

Anyhow, here's my last LO from today.

TFL xx

Just call me Deb!

2010-11-04T15:30:00.000-07:00

It's a joke between a couple of my scrapping friends and I that Deb always has the perfect photo to go with her papers. Does she stage them? Does she force her daughters into completely inappropriate clothes just to get that essential photo to match her latest purchases??? Well, Deb, I think you've met your match!! I have realised that the last few layouts I've done have had just perfect colour-coordinated photos to go with them! And my new Gogo kit was no exception.

I've been scrapping all morning and into the evening, and I've thoroughly enjoyed this one - as usual.

I knew I'd love the colours when I opened the kit, but I didn't think I'd have any photos with that lime green in, nor many with purple.

I've still got loads of kit left even though I've done 6 LOs already! This time I have grabbed a couple more alphabets but so far I've only added in one sheet of cardstock.

Apologies for poor photos again, must get my camera fixed!! (and start taking photos in dalight!)

Can anyone guess what I was watching on TV tonight??? Clue - photo of Maddie in her cossie.....

NB - Carousel LO done using a Page Maps sketch.

TFL!

Purple and green should never be seen!

2010-11-04T06:20:00.000-07:00

Well, I disagree!! I just love the combination of colours in this month's Scrapagogo kit. With the turquoise too? It's lush!!!

I've had a quiet morning today, just me and Jeremy Kyle, and I've scrapped away in peace. These are my first two layouts. I've done a third but it's not quite finished yet. I'll carry on this evening.

Have you noticed how I suddenly LOVE coloured cardstock? For ages I've only used neutrals, in particular kraft. But all of a sudden I'm getting through my ancient stack of cardstock.

It's been a long time coming!

2010-11-03T11:47:00.000-07:00

A couple of months ago, while I was with my two partners in stash-buying crime, I bought this box to alter. As a matter of fact, I didn't actually know what I was buying, but since Deb and Rach were both having one, I didn't want to be left out. I wasn't quite sure what to do with it, but when I bought the MME Lost and Found papers I knew exactly how my project would turn out. All I needed to add now, was a little bit of time. And today, it came. I had two and a half hours with Bella at preschool and was determined that no housework would be done. And this is the end result.

The pink ribbon is left over from Maddie's christening gown, as are the white beads on the heart. Lisa made her gown and saved these bits for me. I also wanted to add in a lock of Maddie's hair and a little pot with her baby teeth in, but somehow her hair didn't look right and I haven't found a pot for her teeth so I think that will have to be another project.

I am so pleased with this, it has turned out exactly as I hoped.

TFL :)

I love GOGO

2010-10-28T00:41:00.000-07:00

Every few weeks or so, I write a post entitled I LOVE GOGO and so it's that time again! I was feeling a bit down that I had 2 complete kits unopened and a couple more half-used, so this week I've got stuck into them. The dining room is a tip (much easier to scrap in company rather than locking myself away), but Cam and I have had a couple of peaceful hours together scrapping and drawing away.

So now, my kits are up to date and I am ready to break into the next one tonight!

We had a glorious day yesterday near Monmouth, visiting a castle, having lunch and catching up with an old friend who Bella has now adopted as her New Best Friend. I did manage to get some photos, but on mum's camera so will add them later.

Here are my latest LOs! And lastly, Cam's LO which he did the other night - the girls and daddy were out and we had some serious quality scrapping time together :)

Again, please excuse the photo quality - still using my phone!

OMG a month has passed!!!!

2010-10-26T03:13:00.000-07:00

And really, not much has happened!! How dull! I've finally grabbed half an hour while the kids are colouring in halloween pictures to catch up on blogging. I've done several LOs for Scrapbook Magazine, which I can't show yet, but will try and get a sneak peek of. I've also made a halloween banner and five new layouts which I can show! My camera is still broken which has meant I've had no new photos to scrap and I suppose has impacted on blogging. I can't even use it to photograph my LOs, so I'm afraid I've had to use my phone!

So, what's new in the Chance household? Well, Jon and I celebrated our ninth wedding anniversary in true Chance style, i.e. low-key. We just about managed cards!!

Maddie started at her new gymnastics club which is great but time-consuming, expensive and cold! And very complicated since I have to be in two places at the same time. But we're working through!

We had to make "opposites" costumes for World Book Week at school, so we chose cowboys and indians.
We're busy preparing for our halloween party on sunday, when we're expecting 11 children to descend on us plus parents - yes truly scary!!! Do you like our pumpkins? Can you guess whose is whose?

I've been asked to return to Skrapz in January to do a mini-book class. Now that's a challenge!! I never do mini-books!!!

Half-term now and it's chucking with rain so we're having a lazy day in.

I think that's a quick catch-up, I promise to keep on top on blogging now! Here are my LOs. First one is done using Sketchy Thursdays sketch courtesy of Deb. Third one uses a Pencil Lines sketch - thanks. I need to change this as I've put that it was Maddie's 2nd birthday but it was quite clearly her first! doh!! Fourth LO is also using a sketch I'm sorry I can't remember where I got this sketch now :( I do apologise if I haven't credited a sketch to anyone, I am really into using sketches at the moment, but can't always remember where I've found them. Final two are sneak peeks of my latest 2 LOs for The Scrapbook Magazine, where I have used Bo Bunny Olivia papers and the theme is Naughty But Nice!! Oo er!! I have also made several cards but forgot to photograph those!!!

Scrapbook Magazine

2010-09-27T12:29:00.000-07:00

I had a big box of layouts sent to me from the Scrapbook Magazine on saturday, all of which have been published over the past 18 months or so. I have only ever shown sneak peeks before, so here they all are!! Sorry for the poor photo quality! Can you tell which ones I did aaages ago??! A couple of these are real favourites of mine.... and some I hate with a passion and didn't want to blog but I may as well!! We all have LOs we hate I guess!!! The first LO is very apt as it's my 9th wedding anniversary on Sunday!

Fancy joining in?

2010-09-27T12:18:00.001-07:00

I'm going to have a go at this, although it doesn't look like i'll be able to start tonight!!!

You can find out all about it here!

Spoiled rotten!

2010-09-21T12:36:00.001-07:00

Yes that's me!! Ab-so-lute-ly spoiled rotten to the core!! It was my birthday on Sunday - 29th - (Istarted going backwards a couple of years ago), and my celebrations started on Thursday with a very leisurely lunch with my fab and gorgeous friends from school (as in, my kids' school - the yummy mummies I chat to on the playground and occasionally take luxurious city breaks abroad with). I was overwhelmed by their thoughtfulness and generosity, and loved all my presents! On to Thursday evening at the crop where I had more cards and presents from my wonderful scrapping friends. I really am spoiled and I mean with the friends I've got.

Saturday saw me meeting up with Amanda and Rach where we had a quiet night in.

Yeah right. Silliness and bad behaviour galore, coupled with far. too. much. wine.

3am and I'm finally in bed. 12pm the following day and I'm still in bed. More presents in the shape of money, clothes, CDs, books, perfume, vouchers, smelly stuff, pretty things, stuff for my craft room, all sorts of wonderful, indulgent, pretty goodies. Even some eye candy in the form of R-Pat/Taylor Lautner. Yum.

Then finally I hauled myself out of bed, slapped my face on and went ice skating! Now, I haven't been ice skating since 1986, when I went with Mandy Blomeley and we went round and round skating to Sam Fox ("Touch Me, Touch Me" lalalala!). So, first step onto the ice, holding Bella's hand (oh her skates were so cute!), and of course she went flying taking me down with her!! It was hilarious really, although yes it did really hurt, as I took a proper comedy tumble. You know, like on cartoons when the legs are just up and down on the spot for ages until finally they land with a huge thud. Yep, right on my backside! I had to laugh, it would only be me! We spent a good couple of hours trying to get to grips with the skating, which was hard holding Bella as she was completely useless being only 3. Maddie and Cam really improved during the session but left with blisters, bruises, wet clothes but huge smiles at least. We stopped off for a pizza on the way home, and then back to see family with yes, yet MORE presents!!!

I have felt so lucky to have my lovely friends and family, and really touched that so many people wanted to wish me a Happy Birthday. I may even go as far as to say I feel really blessed. So thankyou everyone.

And I'll finish with a couple of photos of some of particularly pretty presents for my craft room and my latest LO.

Guilty Pleasure

2010-09-14T12:20:00.000-07:00

This morning was my first morning in, like, ever that I had NO children with me, and I wasn't at work either. They were all safely tucked away at school, and I came home to a quiet, calm, tidy house. A small pile of ironing (I'm so good at keeping on top of it at the moment) was finished quickly in front of Jeremy Kyle (actually, he is one of my guilty pleasures, but that's not what this post is about!), and then I had some free time. So with music on loud and a cuppa with me, I spent the morning in my room making some cards. I could have scrapped since I have a LOAD of new stash that hasn't been touched yet, but I also have a PILE of cards to get done. So there I am happily making cards until 12 when I have to fetch Bella. 3pm arrives, cue RAIN. I have been banging on for around 2 years now how it always rains on a Tuesday in Bromsgrove. And it really does, and I know because we do ballet on a Tuesday and we always come home wet. Anyhow, I decided to start logging the rain so I can prove my theory to people, so I opened my diary to log my rain, when bam I realised why my quiet morning had been such a guilty pleasure...I should have been at the Speech Therapist with Cam and Bella at 10.45. And what's even more annoying is the fact that I had phoned them 3 times last week to cancel/rearrange/un-cancel!!!! How stupid am I??? I've only been waiting for the appointment for 4 months!!!!!

So, here are my cards anyway, I got 4 done (the photo of one didn't come out - my camera is still dead :() this morning and it was very enjoyable, even if it wasn't meant to be!!!

Elsewhere in the Chance Family life, we bought the kids a trampoline at the weekend, I don't know why we hadn't got one before! The kids have been on it non-stop, Maddie is on it 24/7 and she's no fairweather bouncer, she's on it rain or shine! We had some great news about Maddie this week - she's training really hard at the moment as she's going to be taking part in some gymnastics trials soon, we're so proud of her! I can just see us in ten years time when she's won her 3rd Gold Olympic medal, and my speech will refer to all the people (yes me included) who laughed and joked so much about how clumsy Maddie always was, and how she was never able to stay upright for long! Maddie was walking at 10 months and I always used to say that yes she was walking at ten months, but at age 3/4/5/6 she was still no better than the day she took her first steps! And look at her now!!! (ok so I get carried away a little.....!)

Join our crop!

2010-09-09T03:22:00.000-07:00

If you're local to Bromsgrove, why not join our crop? We get together twice a month, on a Thursday evening and a Saturday daytime. We are a friendly group with all levels of scrapping experience, from brand new to ten years!!! We occasionally have classes and challenges, and sometimes a shop for some retail therapy! Leave a comment for more info!

I love Gogo

2010-09-08T13:02:00.000-07:00

As always, I've been thrilled with my most recent Scrapagogo kit, and even though it's too nice to use, I know I have to as I have another gorgeous one on the way! So I continued last night while I had some peace and quiet. I am getting more into Distress Inks recently, and got the Spiced Marmalade while I was in Kempen. I have also rediscovered embossing (inspired by some stunning purple embossing powder in a recent Gogo kit), and so I bought the powder too, although I haven't found anything to do with that just yet. I am also really into orange, so for that reason, I'm out. Lol sorry I thought I was on Dragon's Den for a moment, no for that reason I'm loving this kit - my two favourite colours! I have been adding to my Glimmer Mist collection too, and have been experimenting with that. One of my "things" at the moment is to break into alphabets I've had for yonks and been scared to use, and on this layout I finally opened a pack of letters I'd had for almost a year. Not my oldest alphabet, admittedly, but still an achievement!

I now need to say a huge thankyou to Deb for sending me a "Friendly Blogger Award"! Deb is one of my really good friends that I've met through scrapping and who I now couldn't imagine life without. Thanks Deb, and let me pass it right back at yer!! Also, to Rach, Lisa and Sarah. I've copied Deb basically, I know.

Thanks for popping by! xx

Oh, ps, please excuse my terrible photos at the moment, I'm using an old point and shoot as my DSLR has a terribly debillitating illness and is due for surgery imminently.

What a FAB day!

2010-09-05T12:06:00.000-07:00

If you missed out then don't read on, you will only feel miserable if you continue to read!

I am literally still on a high 24 hours later, after the end of our Mini Cropaganza! What a truly excellent day! And here comes the emotional bit.....oh you've heard it all before, but seriously I love my scrapping friends! We've had such a laugh and get closer all the time, so now it's not just about the scrapping, they are life friends too. We had some new people yesterday and it really is such a pleasure to see people enjoying themselves so much. We had people from the other end of the country yesterday, people coming on their own, people who've never scrapped before and the list goes on. And yet I truly think everyone had a really great, fun, productive day.

Morag was fantastic as usual and her classes were simply stunning. I know there was not a single person who was not fantastically happy with their layouts. And all those who thought they couldn't recreate something so beautiful? Well you did didn't you!!!!

We had a couple of new people who were instant hits and who I can see being a big part of this crop from now on. Great to catch up with some who we don't see too often.

Jon provided for us well in the shape of huge pork baps! 30 of them delivered hot to the door! What a treat that was!

We also had a great shopping opportunity with Skrapz at the crop and many of us left with bigger totes and no doubt furtively snuck back into the houses and stuffed stuff into the back of our shelves...."what, this old thing???!"

So here are all my layouts. The first 3 are Morag's classes. The second two are based on sketches courtesy of Page Maps and done using Scrapagogo kits.

WAS IT YOU????!!!

2010-09-02T12:18:00.000-07:00

I've had three new potential crop newcomers contact me in the past week, and I've replied to you all - but I'm concerned that you haven't had my email as none of you have responded back!! If it was you, then please get in touch again either by email, or leave a blog comment. Leave your phone number if you like, as if you were planning on coming to the crop this weekend then I need to speak to you first!!! xx

ARE YOU FREE ON SATURDAY???!

2010-08-30T02:38:00.000-07:00

If so, why not join us at our special crop in Fairfield, Bromsgrove this Saturday (4th September).

Format is as follows:

11am-11pm
Morag Cutts teaching three stunning layout classes
Hot meal, snacks and drinks included
Super duper raffle !!!
Skrapz visiting with the shop - stash shopping galore!
Sketch challenge
£45 for the day fully inclusive of drinks, snacks, dedicated cropping space, plus tuition fees and all materials needed to a value of £30 of stash!

Second option available of cropping only, to include one hot meal and drinks and snacks for just £15.

Contact me on email (alifetimeofchances@hotmail.co.uk) or leave a blog comment asap to find out more or reserve your place. Only 4 places left!!!

Joy!!!! and some sadness too......

2010-08-08T12:34:00.000-07:00

Yes this is a post of contrast in a way. Starting on Thursday when I got yet more scrapping done! Hooray! I love this LO, although I got carried away with the yellow-ness of it, hence the idea for a title! But it's so apt, Bella does look like butter wouldn't melt, she has the face of an angel and yet she's a demon inside!

On Friday we took the kids swiming for the first time in aaaaagggess. Because I work at Bromsgrove School I can use the pool facilities at certain times, so we took them there. It's a lovely pool and we had it to ourselves on Friday. This was the first time Bella had been swimming in a couple of years actually, and I felt sad as she was terrified. She clung onto me crying for a long time and it took ages to calm her down. She kept saying she was going to sink and die! Anyhow, it went well and they all had a great time. More on the swimming later..... Then on saturday unfortunately the crop was cancelled so we went up to see Jon's parents. The kids love seeing Nanny and Grandpa and they were super-excited! Now I do moan about my in-laws from time to time, well lets face it, they wouldn't be in-laws if I didn't now would they?! But I have to say, and this is hand-on-heart, they are truly the best in-laws I could hope for. And i'm not saying that because of their massive generosity and because of the reason we went up on Saturday (more later!), but truly they are great fun, the kids adore them (and isn't that the most important thing?) and they are also very thoughtful (I only have to open the pantry/fridge to find a selection of all the foods/drinks me or the kids have ever mentioned we like), but to mention many other things about them. Unfortunately my FIL was ill, but we still had a nice time. I have to travel back up on Thursday to fetch my............new car!!!!! Yes I have a shiny new sparkly car waiting for me up in Stafford, all ready to drive safely over to Germany in!!!

So, that aside....as MIL was at work and FIL needed some quiet time, we drove to Cannock Chase (Jon's parents live literally at the foot of the Chase with stunning views), and took the kids to the German Military Cemetary. I know it doesn't sound like a kids day out, but Cam is very into WWI and WWII at the moment and we like to indulge him since it's such an important subject. It was incredibly moving. We have German family (only by marriage but we are very fond of our German family and consider them much closer than I guess they really are, if that makes sense?), and in a way although that should perhaps have made it more poignant (perhaps?), it didn't because actually it was just so sad regardless of whether you are English, German, American, Russian or whatever. 5,000 men buried who died during war, and that should never have happened, enemy or not. Just acting under orders and during a time of killed or be killed. Some of them weren't even named. Just unknown. It's just tragic and it made all of us, even Cam and Maddie, feel very emotional. And not forgetting that this is still going on at this very moment around the world. It felt weird taking photos, but I wanted to. And I felt mixed about seeing Maddie running around. She wasn't charging, she was very respectful. But in one way it was so sad thinking that many of these men were young fathers. But isn't Maddie (and all other children of course) our hope for the future? And wouldn't these men love to see happy children running around?

So we left, and drove on. A true scrapbooker, i'd brought my camera, only left it at the house, and what should we see? Amongst the trees, right at the side of the road, with the sun streaming through, a group of ten or so deer all standing in a group. Not in the slightest frightened of us. Where was my camera???????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So we went back this morning, took some photos at the cemetary but didn't catch any deer. We see them all the time, they are often in Jon's parents garden, but I've never had my camera (and all those Sassafras papers at home too!!!).

We returned to the house to a glass of bubbles and the kids had a play in the garden playing a game which involved shooting Cam's plastic soldiers down with a hose and ending up completely soaked!!!

Finally, we got home to find in the porch a bag of clothes and shoes for Maddie, from a friend. Including, a brand new pair of Lelli Kellis!!!!!!! Maddie has wanted some for years and at £40 a pair, she hasn't been too lucky! She was so chuffed and Bella was so cross!!! Guess I'll be shopping for a smaller pair tomorrow!!! We went back to the pool today, Bella was great, loving it! We told Maddie to try diving and guess what, she did a full somersault on her way into the pool, first time (oh and I haven't shared my news about her yet, will do soon!)!!!

Sorry for the family-photo-heavy-post, I'll leave you now and get on with some more scrapping tomorrow :)

Thanks for popping by xxx

May as well while I can!

2010-08-05T01:18:00.000-07:00

Blog that is. I seem to have lots of 10-minute pockets of time at the moment, so I may as well update my blog while I can. I did another two LOs yesterday, using my Scrapagogo July kit. I love this kit. I mean, I love them all, but this one is great, mainly because the colours are so interesting. You know me, I am really into bright LOs but I would never think to buy papers in navy, green and red. Not really. The bunting is so trendy at the moment (it was I who set the trend, though, having had bunting in my conservatory and Cam's room for several years! Ooooh, I feel a LO coming on!!), and I've already done a few LOs with bunting. The first LO is scraplifted from a LO in Scrapbook Trends (Spring 2010, p19, Stephanie Howell). It just caught my eye, mainly because it was a two photo LO and I struggle with multi-photos, and thinking of a title Jon said why didn't I just give it the same title, so I changed it to be Oh To Be Bella. And Oh to be Bella indeed! Stroppy, funny, happy, uninhibited, confident, bossy......yep sorry I am describing Bella not me!! I hate my handwriting but thought I'd give it a go, but when I came to digging out my white pens, they'd all dried up. So even better I used up a load of rub-ons. I am quite pleased with this LO, although it's not my usual style. The second LO I do like. I have stamped on the cardstock with white ink, which is subtle but I really like the effect.

I sorted through my photos last night and am struggling to find any more which grab me, so I think I may have a break for a day or two and start on my next project, this box frame. Rach, Deb and I all bought one (although actually I didn't know what I was buying I just said I'd have one as they were getting one each!!), so we've made it a little challenge. I am planning on making something for Maddies new room.

Speaking of Maddie, that poor tooth fairy must be almost bankrupt!!! She lost her 5th tooth yesterday. Cam is getting sooooo annoyed!!! Also, we had some very good news regarding her yesterday, which I'll love to share with you in a day or two when I have a bit more information ;)

Thanks for looking!!!

Ain't no stopping me now!!

2010-08-04T04:26:00.000-07:00

Cameron and Maddie are on a gymnastics camp this week, meaning that when they get home after 5 hours of gymnastics...nope, they're not tired even then! So last night, I had to sit for an hour or so while they showed me all their new tricks and routines. Even Bella is in on the act now, and they've taught her how to be part of the human pyramid. Maddie on the bottom, then Bella stands on her hands, then holds her dolly up in the air!! They're fab!!! So anyway, once they were actually, finally, worn out last night, I disappeared into my little room and opened up my Scrapagogo July kit. As usual, it took me a while to get into it (stuck for inspiration, not that they'd sellotaped it up mega or anything lol), but now I can't wait to carry on! I did this LO last night and started a second, which I'll finish later. And for those of you who've asked me, the last few LOs were done with the new Echo Park papers, Life Is Good, which I can thoroughly recommend! Have you noticed my current trend??!! I never used to use coloured cardstock as backing paper but the past couple of weeks, it's colour all the way!! As I said yesterday, a change is as good as a rest :) Thanks for looking!

No scrapping I'm afraid (yet) just some lovely pics :)

2010-08-03T08:24:00.000-07:00

We had a lovely day out yesterday with a drive out to the countryside. Yes I do sound old don't I?!!! It was really rather pleasant, tootling along the Worcestershire countryside, stopping off for a picnic, fruit picking, egg collecting, and even a little play for the children at Clives Fruit Farm in Upton Upon Severn. It's a great little place, which had been recommended to me by a friend and I would definitely pass the recommendation on. The kids were far braver than me, reaching into the hen house to collect their eggs (I was too scared, but Cam, Mad and Bella all had a go). I am hoping to scrap tonight, so will hopefully have something to share tomorrow :)

A change is as good as a rest!

2010-08-02T02:41:00.000-07:00

It's been a year almost to the day that I moved my craft room upstairs, and this week, we moved it back down again. If you remember, we made Maddie room-less and she went to share with Bella. Well, after only a couple of days I wondered if we'd made a terrible mistake. Yes, I had a lovely new craft room with lots of space, but Bella, well she's a terror. And she terrorized Maddie. Maddie wasn't allowed to listen to her CDs, have her light on, go to sleep etc etc. So we gave in and moved her back into her own room again. And all has been calm! And why I ever moved upstairs is beyond me, it's far nicer being downstairs. This weekend I've been able to dip in and out of my room and complete three LOs without anyone really noticing! Not my best LOs, but I've been enjoying the Echo Park papers and I just felt on a roll. These papers are really lovely and I love how I've been able to make such different layouts with the same papers. I'm all inspired again! Here are a couple of pics of my room. It's a bit messy at the moment as I was about to start a new LO last night before being called in to watch Harry Potter. It's been freshly painted and I have a different desk which gives it a much better layout. Yes it's compact, but it's perfect for me and I love it.

OMG a MONTH has passed!!!!

2010-07-19T03:20:00.000-07:00

Yes I am still a scrapper, just about. At last I've had a couple of hours to myself this morning and have managed to sit down and scrap. Bliss. I've done quite a bit of making stuff the past fortnight but it's been mainly cards, and oh yes, that time of year again, Academic Planners!!! I've made five this year and am really pleased with them. I haven't taken photos of any of the cards, apart from this one below, I've made which is a bit of a shame as some of them were really quite nice!

Here's a LO I did last night with the new Echo Park papers - if you haven't seen them yet check them out they really are lovely in the flesh.

As usual, we've had a busy couple of weeks, mostly accommodating the kids and their busy scedules of dance shows, gymnastics displays, playdates, parties and all sorts of shenanigans.

The show went well, with Maddie enjoying it a bit more this year. Bella was a star and had us all in stitches telling me off from the stage into the audience during the finale!

The gymnastics display was also successful and I was very proud of Cam and Maddie. We have another busy week of discos and end of year stuff and then we can breathe, relax and sleep! I can't wait to have them off school for a few weeks.

Cam and maddie also had their school reports last week, which were great and again made me a very proud mummy. Their teachers had lots of lovely things to say about them, but next year we are focusing on a bit more effort from Cam, and more concentration and quicker work from Maddie.

I can't believe that they are moving up into Year 3 and 2 next year and Bella will be starting Plus Fours at preschool, and we'll be filling in her school application as soon as we go back.

So, scrapping-wise, I've been given a lot more commissions from the Scrapbook Magazine so I've got stuck into those. I think the magazine is going to show some great improvements over the next few months as they have a new editor and she's coming up with some good ideas. Here are some sneak peeks of my latest 6 LOs for SBM.

Today we've had a great day with Deb, Rach, Deb's daughter Paige. We all went on the Severn Valley Railway. Cam's current obsession (actually, it isn't, it's a really healthy interest and no more) is WWI and WWII. The railway is still preserved in the era of WWII and so he found it fascinating. We had far too much fun on the train, and I'm sure we drove all the other passengers crazy.

Anyway, I will finish now, but will make a concerted effort to get back on the blog train and update you all at every stop! (oh god that was terrible lol)

Doctor Doctor I need some help!!!

2010-06-29T12:41:00.000-07:00

Oh seriously I do need help. After 4 days in Barcelona with my girlfriends I need therapy in the following areas: sleep deprivation (intense therapy), body clock restoration, The Grass Is Greener syndrome, massage to relieve aching limbs (from dancing All Night Long) , I Need To Spend More Time Dancing Latino Sydrome, Chronic Disillusionment With English Men Sickness...... I also need surgery for the following: hip replacement (too much salsa dancing), knee replacement, minor heart surgery (or possibly major), cornea destruction (I can't even tell you what caused that, certainly not on the net!), Acute Earrache/eardrum transplant (too much of being chatted up), and possibly a liver transplant.

We had a great time. I can't tell you too much. What goes on tour stays on tour, you know???! But needless to say, I have had a little cry since I got home.

Dancing all night long meant I couldn't take my camera out, so photos are limited (hence the reason I am in the same dress in all these photos!). Many of the photos I do have I won't be able to scrap. But Rachel has a few and so I could maybe get a few pages done.

We spent the time on the beach, a little sightseeing, plenty of time eating, some drinking and then in bars until 5am. I didn't think it was possible for me, but apparently it was.

I have come home a changed woman, in many ways.

I've been to Barcelona before, only for a day, so I've seen some of the sights already. But I had no idea what a fantastic place it is for a holiday. I am determined to go back next year, but with Jon and the kids. Beautiful beaches, plenty to do, an amazing city.

Here are just a couple of pics!!!

A lorra lorra layouts!

2010-06-21T12:31:00.001-07:00

God knows why but Cilla Black's voice just popped into my head and said a Lorra Lorra Layouts, rather than my own quite normal voice. Still, it's making me chuckle!

So, as usual, I've had a manic few days. It started a couple of weeks ago whilst sitting out in the garden sharing some wine with Jon and feeling suddenly sociable, when we decided to have a Footie BBQ and invite all our friends. Not thinking about the fact that I'd have been at work all week, have the Skrapz retreat to get to early in the morning, and then at work all the following week when essential tidying up would need to be done. Throw in several dozen kids and lots of booze and well really it was a recipe for disaster. Not to mention the fact we've just cleaned our carpets and redecorated the house. All was well though, as people never turn up to these things do they and bound to have been invited elsewere. Hmmmm maybe not. Seems our party was the one to be seen at. Friday afernoon comes, with 90% of the UK getting ready for a BBQ. It is June after all and has been lovely all week. Cue rain. Of course, why wouldn't there be rain? So, after appearing calm all evening while screaming inside at the sheer amount of kids running up and down my newly cleaned stairs in muddy shoes and the following crash bangs wallops of toys being destroyed and debris being thrown around bedrooms, I finally got to bed at 1am. Up again at 6am, slightly - but not completely - hungover, I head off to Skrapz. After first FILLING an entire dustpan with bits from floor and loading the dishwasher with the second load. And having a small cry again at the state of my house.

So Skrapz was great. Great to see some old faces, and great to see some new. A really lovely bunch of girls who are a pleasure to scrap with, talk to and teach. Penny made my day as she did do before just by being generally cheeky and a good old laugh. I really enjoy teaching the classes and would love the opportunity again. So that went smoothly and I got lots of time to scrap myself too.

Highlight of my day? Well, I arrive at the retreat at 8am and dump my bags, contemplate going to MacDonalds for a carb-infusion and instead think shopping first is best. After all I'm not that hungover. They had some lovely stash this time, so I immediately texted Rach and Deb (even thought I knew Deb would be in bed at this ungodly hour) to let them know what they were missing. Missing?????! I don't think so. An hour later Deb texted me back "I'm at the door where are you"!!!! She'd dragged poor long-suffering Mick out of bed and he'd driven her all the way to Telford. To cut a long story a bit shorter, she left with a box-full. A BOX!!!!! Deb, what are you like????!!!!! I felt a little lonely after she'd gone and wished my scrapping buddies were there with me :(

Anyway, here are my layouts. The first two are the classes I taught at Skrapz. Ann and Caroline sent me a box of goodies and these are what I came up with.

I can't think of a title!!!!! (all a bit dull really ;) )

2010-06-12T14:14:00.000-07:00

Since I last posted I have managed to get back into my craft room and break open some kits and some stash. Partly because I've been in there looking at the sheer amount of stuff and contemplating moving back out. Poor Maddie is truly miserable sharing with Bella (she does have a point, I wouldn't do it!) and she thinks she wants her room back. Poor Bella sobs when Maddie says she doesn't want to share rooms anymore ("can we be best friends again Maddie?") and so I'm going back and forth wondering what to do! I have also come to the conclusion that having my room upstairs is perhaps why I'm not in it as much..... your thoughts???

So anyhow, here are a couple of layouts I've done recently. The first is done using my most recent Scrapagogo kit, and the second is scraplifted-ish from a LO in Scrapbook Trends. I love these pictures of Maddie and the colours too - I'm so into orange at the moment.

During half-term we had a lovely week, with some real quality time together. We went to the cinema, bowling, had a day in the park, a day at home, a day with Granny at the Botanical Gardens and I noticed how much easier it's all getting with Bella becoming that bit older. We had a wonderful day at Evesham park, with a group of friends and I think 12 kids between us. They all went off and played together and the older ones kept eyes on the little ones, and I felt it was the start of things getting just that bit easier for me.

However, Cam has been high-maintenance the past couple of weeks and I feel exhausted right now. He's lovely and so precious but my God he's hard work at times. We've got into the World Cup spirit this week, although he hates football, he is showing a little bit of interest now. Bella seems to have turned a corner the past week and has been much easier and less stroppy but I do fear she's turning into Cam. Every day we have to (on Bella's instructions) now drive past a particular pub with a play area, and we all have to say "Wow! Look at that play area!", and if we don't we have to go back and look again and all say it. I heard her today in the car say to Cam and Maddie "You WILL say wow look at that play area". OCD or what. So today we actually took her to that pub so she could play in that wonderful play area. You may laugh, but it's actually very wearing. And that's only one example of her demanding eccentricities at the moment.

Work is great, I'm loving my new job - it's my little haven - I go into work and have peace, uninterrupted radio, a wonderful lunch, cups of tea which don't get spilled/get cold/bits of lego floating in.

Strawberry picking today and getting ready for the footie!

I have a retreat this weekend coming up which I SOOOOO need! I can't wait! We have been tasked with making a "name thingy" for our desks so everyone knows each others' names. I've used an inordinate amount of stash on mine, but you know me, that gives me great satisfaction to know I've used it! Here's a sneak peek!

Sunny smiles and flying feet!

2010-05-25T14:15:00.000-07:00

Yes there have been feet, arms, legs flying around the house for the past fortnight. Maddie has discovered gymnastics and we're in fear for our lives in this house at the moment. Just strolling through to the kitchen carries a severe health warning. And of course, Maddie being the way she just is, a small matter of a paddling pool doesn't get in her way. She cartwheels into it. She cartwheels out of it. She cartwheels to and from school, and anywhere in between. We are all used to not seeing Maddie on her feet for long, but really, this is something else. The gap in her teeth has nothing to do with this though, that's just down to the tooth fairy!

Bella tried to one-up Maddie by doing forward rolls in the pool. Not sensible unless of course you want to drown!!

Cam didn't attempt anything quite so reckless, but did find a caterpillar.

Two showers were needed on saturday, after they found that if they kept jumping in the pool and then straight down the slide, then they could create a fantastically muddy puddle at the bottom. Cue nakedness and rolling around in mud to get as filthy as possible. I was heard shouting "FLOAT up the stairs, kids, DO NOT TOUCH A THING!!!"

So we spent a hot weekend mainly in the garden, with a large part very drunkenly in someone else's garden, which was great fun!!!

Tonight I've managed to get into my craft room and made a couple of cards, which has spurred me on to get rid of this ironing MOUNTAIN that has grown in my lounge and get upstairs to scrap!

It's so quiet around here!

2010-05-20T11:40:00.000-07:00

I meant on this blog due to my prolonged absence actually, but thinking about it, it's quiet in the house.... and that would be because Lisa's gone....!

So where have I been? Well, as I said in an earlier post I haven't felt like blogging or scrapping since April really. It's been a tough few weeks and the bad news that I heard really just meant that scrapping went out of the window, because the person who had had such tragic news is such a part of my scrapping life. If that makes sense.

But with Lisa arriving, I wanted to try and get my mojo back. You know how much my stash stresses me out, and I'd ordered more and got more kits, so I really felt the urge to get stuck into some. My April Gogo kit was sat here waiting so I started with that. I wish I had taken the time to peruse my stash and add in other bits and pieces but I didn't and I also didn't think too much about the LOs but still I enjoyed this kit and have come out with a few pages.

Lisa was here for the purpose of taking mum on her Big Birthday weekend. It was indulgent and expensive, and really proved to my nearest and dearest that I am not a morning person (I think they thought I'd exaggerated this fact).

We set off to London early on Saturday morning and after leaving our bags in left luggage (it wasn't quite as straightforward as that but I won't bore you with the details), we headed straight for Harrods. I wished I'd had a crop coming up soon after seeing the cupcakes - I would have loved to have treated my friends to some of the amazing delights on offer there!!!! We had a good browse round Harrods and lo and behold I even found stash (though I didn't buy!), and then stopped off for a glass of champagne, of course darling, at the Oyster bar. There were other bars, but knowing that I'm vegeratarian and really can't stomach the smell of fish, nor the sight of mussels, shrimps and other slimy delights, this Oyster bar seemed to be the best place to plonk down. Right next to the seafood extravaganza display. Anyhow, the champagne took the edge off all that and was really rather pleasant.

Off to the V&A then, where we meandered around to the cafe for a quick bite, and then on to a very small exhibit of original drawings and paintings of the Flower Fairies by Cicely Mary Barker, followed by some photos of 60s pop stars at Top of The Pops, an original Adam Ant costume and an exact replica of Kylie's dressing room. Which was rather fun!

Then we made our way to The Berkeley where we partook in Afternoon Tea, or should I say Afternoon Pret-a-Portea - a champagne afternoon tea inspired by lastest designer fashions. We stuffed our faces in a most non-refined fashion and drank champagne and lots of tea before moving onto Piccadilly Circus for an evening performance of Mamma Mia! This was really lots of fun and we loved every minute of it!

Then back to the hotel again and this time staying in our room, with wine, a camera and lots of stupid faces (you had to be there!).

And then the next morning, home to reality!

And home has been hectic the last few weeks. I know I always say that but it really is. I'm working every day now, and enjoy it, but it just means alot less time for everything else. I am hoping to find time to do more scrapping now, and to blog, and to take more photos, but it's all a case of organisation!!!

I will update this post with photos from our weekend when I get a chance!!!

Skrapz Class #2!!

2010-05-03T05:56:00.001-07:00

Here's a sneak peek of the second class I'm doing for Skrapz. This is lovely and bright and involves plenty of inking, some stamping, cutting, layering and of course a little bit of bling. The papers are from Bo Bunny and really get you feeling ready for summer! I hope you'll join me for this one :)

Skrapz retreat!

2010-04-23T09:08:00.000-07:00

Skrapz sent me some lush papers and stamps last week, and I couldn't wait to get stuck in and start preparing my first class, which I'll be teaching at their retreat in June! Here's a little sneak peek of the first LO. Have you booked your place yet??? See here if not!

I might post another sneak peek tomorrow when I've got better photos! I now have some stunning Bo Bunny papers to get started on! Watch this space :)

It's been a while.....

2010-04-19T12:02:00.001-07:00

Sorry it's been so long since I blogged. With one thing and another I haven't had time and haven't felt up to it. Can't even think what I posted in my last post?? If you're close to me, then you'll know why I haven't felt like blogging, as the past week brought the most devastating news I've had in a long time. Well, maybe ever. It's nothing to do with me, but a very close friend, and really it's just meant the past week I haven't felt like (or even thought of, really) blogging, scrapping, anything really. And I know that a few other friends have felt the same too.

So here I am tonight, though, thinking really I ought to catch up. Easter came and went and was successful in as much as the kids didn't have a stupid amount of eggs and presents, and they had a great time hunting, as per my previous post. We were lucky with the weather and we have had a lovely half-term, just chilling and catching up with friends etc. I don't think I've done any scrapping, well, except for a LO for Scrapbook Magazine. Now, I did enjoy doing this one, its a real mix of oriental and vintage and I even got to use one of my new Tim Holtz dies, and tried a new technique or two. Here's a sneak peek.

We had a lovely day in Chepstow, where we visited Tintern Abbey, an old railway, had a gorgeous ice-cream, then the kids spent aaaaaages on the trampoline while we nattered over coffee. I've had a couple of days meeting up with friends, a day baking biscuits and cakes, a few visits to mum's/dad's/in-laws'..... Lot's of days in the garden or watching them out the front on their bikes (we're so lucky where we live that they can spend hours out on their bikes).

Cam decided he wanted to watch Twilight and he just wouldn't give up so in the end we let him (he's not at all freaked out by scary things - in fact the scarier/more gruesome the better as far as he's concerned!), and then had to watch New Moon (and I just didn't want to watch it for the 4th time - honest!).

A few of my friends were planning a girly weekend to Barcelona. As you know, I don't leave the kids, and I definitely don't do flying without them, but being told that I couldn't go, as Friend knew these things about me, meant that I most certainly had to go as I never do as I'm told, so now I am booked onto said weekend!!! Woohoo! Cue: abs roller, arm exercises, diet frenzy, manic ebaying etc. Nothing has motivated me to lose weight like this weekend and the thought of sunbathing next to Friend #1 - blonde, tall, extremely slim, Friend #2 - Eva Longoria lookalike, and Friends #3&4 - generally tanned, toned and busty!!! I did seriously contemplate a quick boob job, but with my new job just couldn't find the time. In the meantime I've been ebaying like mad to raise money for lots of new clothes!!!

Ah, new job! Yes I started today and it all went fine. I really enjoyed it! Not much more to say really, except that the perks are great - I get the most delicious salad box for lunch!

This weekend we spent a looooot of time in the pub - or several pubs, plus a stroll down the canal, minus camera can you believe!!! As I said before, the kids have been great this past couple of weeks, and they're getting to the age of amusing themselves if we meet up with friends for a drink or something, making new friends and playing really nicely. It's all getting a lot easier!

Today I received a lovely parcel from Skrapz - yes this is my delivery of materials for the classes I'll be teaching at their retreat in June - I can't wait!!

Sorry this post is not good, and disjointed - I will try harder later in the week :)

Three dies, two layouts and a card (or two)

2010-04-07T03:39:00.000-07:00

It's been a quiet few days since I last posted. I treated myself to some new Tim Holtz dies, which I'd had my eye on for a while. I had to very quickly list some stuff on ebay to pay for them, but at least it got me shifting some stuff!! Of course, I haven't been able to use my dies yet, now the kids are off school, but if I could just get my butt off the sofa tonight then maybe I would!!

Mum presented me with this gorgeous shelf which matches my cake stand (not for cakes silly, for pretty things!), Lisa had left to go home with instructions to get one for me. Thanks Lisa, I LOVE IT!!! Of course, Deb has one and that's where we got the idea, and just to make sure that I am completely Deb-like (Single White Female eat your heart out), I have put my Prima flowers in too!

We had the crop on saturday and I finished two LOs and started a third. I've really enjoyed this month's Scrapagogo kit despite being a bit "meh" when I opened the box. The photo on my Spa Day LO might seem a bit odd, but it did make me chuckle. A long time ago we had a conversation where we discovered that my younger brother, Ted, had been having a soak in the bath with slices of cucumber on his eyes. Maybe I remember this differently and we made that part up, as we're always teasing Ted, but anyhow Cam found some crudites and did a Ted impression - he had us in stitches! On the second LO, Joy Ride, I've cut out part of the star shape on the die-cut paper and used it as a mask with some Glimmer Mist. Again, I've stamped the chipboard. Deb did another card class which I think will be a regular feature, and again the card was gorgeous. We have discussed me doing a layout class too, but I'm not sure.... After the crop Jon and I whizzed over to Leicester for our first curry of the year! It was really worth the wait! Sunday brought a chocolate frenzy, even though we had postponed our Egg Hunt until Monday, and the kids were going egg mad! We had a lovely lunch at mum's and then headed off to Jon's parents for a night. Up bright and early for an egg hunt, complete with treasure maps courtesy of Grandpa, and the kids were happy! Chocolate for breakfast, chocolate for lunch and then we took them out for their first curry of their lives! So a fully nutritious weekend all round ;) Maddie got stuck into her bhaji, tikka masala, rice and naan. Bella had a bit (complete with chips of course, being Bella) and Cam was cautious but still had some. The past couple of days have been fairly chilled, the usual battles of getting dressed in the morning, but I'm getting some jobs done while the kids play nicely. Just wish I could get some scrapping done, but I think that's just a bit too much to ask.....!

It's been a very sticky week (and no Herma in sight!)

2010-03-29T01:26:00.000-07:00

Well not much has been going on in the Chance household. Maddie's birthday came and went in a blur of pinkness and sparkles. Her party was a success, and the sleepover was not too traumatic! Jon and I were very pleased with how it went - it's very daunting realising you have twelve 6 year old girls in the house, who demand instant entertainment, preferably involving lots of noise, sweets, and stickiness! Jon did us proud and wore them out, and when it was over we breathed a huge sigh of relief! She had lots of lovely presents and cards, and we've spent time together making lipgloss (yep, sticky), candy jewellery (yep, sticky) and cards (you get the theme). I had the usual emotional moments wondering where the past six years have gone, but also very proud that she is growing up to be a beautiful, clever, happy girl, who is nicely behaved and has such an amazing personality! We woke up at 6am on her birthday so she could get outside on her new bike before school, and she's already having a go at doing some stunts on her BMX! Cam is of course wildly jealous, but his time will come!

The only thing I've made recently are these cards. I seriously need to do some scrapping!!!

And then on saturday I had some news (which I needed as I'd just got back from having a disastrous haircut!) Remember last year when I was bridesmaid to Clara, and remember how stressful I found it, and I said never again??!!!! Well, you guessed it, I'm going to be a bridesmaid again in September! Argh!!! I couldn't say no!! On Saturday night I had my first anxiety dream about the wedding - already! So I just dread to think how the next 6 months will go! But this time, it's another school friend who's getting married, Joanne, and she's hoping to do it at a beautiful place fairly local to here. She's Bella's godmother too and has asked Bella to be another Bridesmaid! How cute! So it's diet time, again!

Late night scrapping!

2010-03-20T07:55:00.000-07:00

I spent last night alone, Jon was off playing poker, so I made Maddie's birthday cake - which didn't turn out at all like it was meant to. It doesn't look anything like how I imagined it! But oh well she loves it!

Then I finished my third LO using my Scrapagogo kit, and it's another that I'm pleased with. Again, I did alot of background stamping, and then stamped a border too. Hope you like it. This shows how you can use papers which aren't pretty for a girly LO.

I'll say it again - Lovin' the Gogo Kit!!!

2010-03-19T02:29:00.000-07:00

Deb and I were on the phone to each other yesterday in anticipation of our kits arriving, and when my doorbell rang I ran to the door, doing a cool slide across the hall floor en route a la Footloose stylee, to be met by my grinning postie, who although I'm sure he doesn't get scrapping, he does appreciate how excited I am when he turns up with my pizza box (and he's hot too by the way, which always helps don't you think!). I opened the box super quick and had mixed feelings. I like the kit, although I am getting a little tired of Sassafras. Now you know what a huge Sassafras fan I am, but I have to admit I am finding it all a bit samey. However, I love the other elements of the kit, but again have to admit that I was a little disappointed with the Go-2-pieces. Anyway, Deb felt that the kit was going to be a challenge for her, as she's into more pretty, vintage stuff, so we agreed to take our kits to the crop and get working on it together.

Well, what can I say, the kit turned out to be a huge hit! I got 2 LOs finished, and a third almost done. I love the brads, and the chipboard and the fun colours. I also buy a lot of pretty stash, and always find I'm low on boyish papers and embellishments. Plus, I LOVE using black on my LOs. Even pretty LOs, I love using black ink and black letters and all sorts. So here are my two LOs from last night, and I'll post the third when I get a chance to finish it.

Deb and I found that we thought of similar techniques and styles straight away, and some were just blatantly copied! But that's ok, isn't that what crops are all about???! Such as inking and stamping onto the chipboard, tying a bow onto the bread tags, using the brads in the centre of the circle pattern. Some other things I have done here which some people at the crop found interesting aren't my ideas but fun to use are: I have used Bazzill Dotted Swiss and just lightly rubbed an ink pad over the dots to pick some ink up and highlight the pattern; I have die-cut a layered flower, stamped the petals and scrunched it up, lots of layers - as always, and using some small stickers from the alphabet sheet to add to the bread tags.

The flower was a quick version of the flower I posted on my blog recently. I wanted instant results last night so didn't spray the flower with water. But a few of you have asked for the link to the flower technique and it's here. The flower I have used on this LO is, as I said, just layering up your petals, secure them with a brad, and then scrunch each layer up and then open out a little. This is actually a technique that Deb showed us - and you can see her blog here!

Mothers Day cards and more!

2010-03-16T12:47:00.000-07:00

Ugh I feel totally unispired to write this blog post tonight!! What's wrong with me?! I've been wanting to blog for days!! So, i'll just run through the photos here then!! Mother's Day this year I think was the best I've had so far. I woke up to a beautiful sunny morning, with tea and toast in bed, followed by a short romantic interlude with Edward (or was it Jacob?). Then we headed down to Worcester for Rachael's little boy's party, where we went on a treasure hunt through the woods. It was the perfect day for it. Then we came home, stopping on the way for a short trip to Webbs, where I picked up a couple of things from Hobbycraft (essentials you understand). Then onto Pizza Express where we had a lovely meal, the kids were well behaved, I bumped into a couple of people I know, and it was just relaxed and real quality time. We had an amazing waitress who took the kids off to make their own desserts which they loved! And it gave me ten minutes to drink my wine quietly. Once we got home from there it was back to normal - Mother's Day was over as I had lunches, uniforms plus hairwashing x 3 to contend with. Still, a wonderful day all round, thankyou :) Here are my beautiful cards and homemade gifts (pasta necklace, paper bouquet and peppermint creams).

On Sunday I was blog-hopping and looking at the gorgeous new Tim Holtz dies (I am getting them, I am working on it, Jon just needs to sit down and press those buttons for me), when I came across a tutorial to make your own Prima-esque blossoms. I have only had one attempt, and my selection of flower dies is limited, but here it is. Not bad for a first attempt (it looks better in the flesh), as soon as I get my grubby mitts on those dies I'll be well away!

Here's another card I've made this week for a friend at school. Our boys are good friends and she's a lovely girl, so I rustled this up on Monday evening. I have to confess, I have totally taken inspiration from Deb, but her cards are so beautiful, it'd be rude not to really.

Oh and another here for Maddie's Godmother!

And this one for Jon's mum (did I post this one already?)

And this week has so far been mainly about the Madeleine Mae Sleepover Extravaganza! Maddie is due to turn six next week, and to celebrate she's having a sleepover/party on Saturday. She wants a Tinkerbell cake, so I spent last night customizing a Cinderella Barbie ready to turn into a Tinkerbell. I will have a dry run with the cake tomorrow and hopefully finish it all on Saturday morning. Watch this space.

Oh and work. I spent my second day there today and now have my start date and hours etc sorted (sure some people didn't believe I had got the job I was being so vague about it all!) I missed Bella today. What's that all about? At home she drives me demented and I tear my hair out wishing I could get to work for some peace. I have a horrible headache tonight, just from the stress of missing her and trying not to cry (god I need to get a life!!). So I'm off to bed shortly with Jacob (or will it be Edward), and I won't be sleeping for ages ;) ;)

I've got the cardmaking bug!

2010-03-12T12:36:00.000-08:00

Cards are great to make for several reasons, and I've just got into them! I can have a quick burst of creativity without making a whole load of mess, or having to create a masterpice. I can make someone happy, use up my scraps, and save some money too. Plus I don't have to drive to the shops, pay for parking and spend half an hour of my day doing so, just to buy one card. So I win all round really! Here are a couple I've made this week!

A totally crafty week!

2010-03-08T12:12:00.000-08:00

After I last posted I had another indulgent morning scrapping in peace! I got another 2 layouts done with my Scrapagogo December kit, which makes a total of 7 I think so far. I love these two layouts - in fact I have been really pleased with all mine from this kit. (And, don't tell Jon I said this, but doesn't he look handsome??!!) I have one more still in production, and I also did a mini-book with the kit at the weekend. As I said before, I do tend to add in more cardstock, and this month I must admit I did have more papers and chipboard, but I could pad the kit out every month with bits and pieces and it would still be great value. I also got a quick trip into Hobbycraft where I picked up a couple of things to make Easter gifts. Then on Tuesday night Lisa and I had a mini-crop where we made some cards. On Wednesday we met up with Deb and Rach and had a day crafty shopping. A few things fell my way, and so we had another mini-crop on Wednesday evening!

Thursday came and brought with it mum's afternoon tea party to celebrate her special birthday. It was a lovely afternoon and I managed to cram a fair few cakes in...I was having a thin day and feeling I wasn't really quite fat enough..... We spent the afternoon reminiscing and making lots of ageist jokes, all in good humour! Unfortunately, my photos were taken before the cakes were put on the stands (that's my story and I'm sticking to it), and yes, you do spot a beautiful white cake stand that now sits in my craft room full of Prima bling! Here's a pic of mum looking pretty good for her age (27).Friday meant another quick trip to Hobbycraft where I got a lovely new die, a floral die which is just what I've been looking for, for a long time. On saturday we had the crop, and I managed to finish my mini-book and start a layout. It was a great crop with a good turn-out, and as usual (slushiness coming....) I sait and looked around and pondered, and thought how grateful I am that I have this hobby as I have gained so much more than just pretty albums. We also had our first card-making class with Deb, where I made this stunning (look away now mum) Mother's Day card. Deb's a natural and I will be bullying her into making this a regular feature!

Tonight I threw together this little Easter Bucket. I plan to put a Creme Egg in and give it to Cameron's and Maddie's teachers. They are both doing an amazing job in very different ways and I just want to show my appreciation. This was so simple to make and I think it looks so pretty!
I start my new job tomorrow, kind of. I am doing a few days' training before I start properly. I nearly freaked when they emailed to say they wanted me tomorrow - I haven't bought my work clothes yet!! Not sure my Batman socks would go down so well!!

Never-ending kit

2010-03-02T01:40:00.000-08:00

I've said before that the Scrapagogo kits seem to go on forever haven't I? I normally add in a couple of sheets of cardstock, and this month have added in some chipboard shapes, but really these kits seem to go on and on. Here's my latest LO and I'm now off downstairs to use up the rest of the December Kit - I have Jan and Feb waiting to be cut!!

A Cropping Good Time!

2010-03-01T01:44:00.000-08:00

Well, as usual my week has been fairly eventful! I guess it started with last Thursday and Rachael's surprise Baby Shower! And she was surprised!!! We had a realy good giggle, and played some games, and left her with a nice little pile of presents. The next day I spent preparing for Lisa to arrive, as she's come over to spend the week with us. Mainly for the Scrapagogo Game Over all day Crop we booked on to ages ago! We tootled along to it early Saturday morning along with Deb, and met lots of friendly faces there - Jackie, Julie, Julie, Clare, Debbie plus a couple more I had spoken to over email but not met before. We had quite literally a fantastic day! Five great classes, and some shopping, with some laughs thrown in between - couldn't have asked for more! Here are my 4 LOs and a mini-book. Really pleased with them all, and although I'm not hugely keen on the mini-book, I will definitely be recreating the concept again very soon. I love the flag-book idea. The Scrapagogo Team are a great bunch of girls - I only wished I lived closer as I'd love to do more with them!

Here is my latest LO for Scrapbook Magazine. Only a sneak peek, but it will be in Issue 46. I've made a few cards this week too, but haven't photographed them all.

Over the weekend I also had an email from Skrapz. It seems they are busy planning the Skrapztacular V Retreat in June this year, where I'll be teaching two classes again. I had a fab time last year when I went, so I can't wait to go again! I need to get my thinking cap on and come up with some good ideas for the classes. Can't wait to see what Skrapz send me to play with! If you're not booked on then pop over to their site and get your place asap!

And finally, Maddie had her first Barn Dance with Brownies yesterday, how super-cute does she look???!!!

Snow pics, loving my GoGo kit!

2010-02-22T02:42:00.000-08:00

Yes, the infamous snow pics finally arrived in the house, after tears, tantrums and a deep sense of loss. I got a grip after all that, and even once I'd got them, it took me a week or two to get around to scrapping them!! And do you know what, they weren't the best photos in the world after all that!! Anyway, on Friday Sally and I (and a short time with Terry) had a very intimate crop at my house. It was nice though, we shared some wine and cake, and I got three layouts done! I was on a bit of a roll and got a fourth done last night, with a fifth in progress. So here they are!
And this is just a sneak peek of a LO I've done for Scrapbook Magazine, using all that lovely robot stash I showed you recently. I love this LO, I've used Glimmer Mist and a mask for the first time, and the photo's fab too! It will be in the Four Ways Challenge in Issue 45, so keep an eye out for it!

Where to begin!!!

2010-02-18T05:59:00.000-08:00

As usual for me, it's been a pretty crazy couple of weeks. Last week we had Parents' Evening, Cameron was invested at Beavers, plus various appointments, and it was a hard old week for me. By the weekend, I was exhausted! But we had a nice, chilled weekend, including a lovely evening with our friends and their new baby, celebrating Valentine's Day. Jon bought me a gorgeous Momiji doll (seems these have replaced the paperweights I used to be given!), and a pretty card. We had some champagne and just enjoyed a nice quiet weekend.

I put together my Pink Whispers kit, but haven't even touched it yet! Maybe this weekend I'll get a chance.....

This week has been pretty similar; with the kids being off school (again) I've had no chance to blog, or scrap or anything really (well, I have done one LO but can't show you yet). We've done a touch of baking - complete with the blondest EVER moment from me (and that takes some!), which involved me seemingly unable to follow simple instructions in a children's baking book, and attempting to fold the flour into the mixture after dividing it into the cake cases. Hmmmm.

We've been to the cinema, done soft play, some painting, an afternoon on bikes (when Maddie fell flat onto her nose and now her two front teeth are precariously wobbly), catching up with some friends, and of course a whole load of house-trashing!

I came home on Tuesday evening, to find this on the stairs waiting for me. Jon had raided my craft room, with Maddie's help, and made me this card!

I was so chuffed and impressed with his techniques - inking the edges, a piece at a jaunty angle, and colour-coordinating embellishments!!! Some of you already know that the card was to wish me Good Luck for my 2nd interview, for a job that I was desperate for! And of course, I found out today that I nailed it!! Yes I have got the job and will be working at Bromsgrove School! Delighted is an understatement, but I'm nervous too, and excited, and apprehensive, and a lot more things. Now I need to figure out who's going to look after Bella while I'm at work, but I am sure I can figure it out!

So, go me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And now I can sleep - I have hardly slept for more than a week now while this whole process has been going on!

Some old/new layouts and some new stash!!!

2010-02-08T12:05:00.000-08:00

Here are a few LOs I had in Scrapbook Magazine, which I haven't shown on my blog before. They tend to keep hold of them for a while, so it's always a nice surprise when I get them back. Not as nice a surprise though, as this bundle of stash which I got in the same parcel!! It's a Four Ways Kit which will be featured in Issue 45 I think. I haven't heard of the manufactuer before, but it's fab stuff, with some massive die-cut shapes, plus bling, funky bouncy stickers, stickers with little beads inside, plus ribbons and even a set of stamps, plus more! I'm thinking of doing something different with this kit, maybe a door plaque or a pinboard or something..... hmmm will think on....

Oh! Should have said! Got my laptop back (did I tell you this already?!) It's actually in my possession now and all working brilliantly. And all my pics. Tell you, won't be going back to PCW again, and was really shocked how many of you have had the same experience with said company. Thanks for warning me!

Oh and here's a question for you. I've been pondering something the past day or two. I am a little obsessed at the moment with "using stuff". I get really stressed sometimes when I see how much paper I've got and how long I've had some without using it. Examples of this range from having something 4(?) years - which if I bought it that long ago is probably fairly hideous and I don't care too much - Maddie will probably have it. Then to stuff I've had for 18 months, to stuff I bought at Ally Pally only last September. Now it dawned on me that many of my scrapping mates and acquaintances (judging by what I see and hear them buy) have WAY more than me. And I have a fairly decent output too. So, does it matter that I have loads of sheets of paper waiting to be used??? And that's a genuine question. Should I be stressing or should I be accumulating to be used at a point in the future "whenever" and "if it takes my fancy"?? I don't really save stuff anymore, I mean, I'm really good at breaking into alphabets and cutting paper - I'm not one of those who can't use stuff it has to be kept to be stroked..... Comments pls!

I've been tagged!

2010-02-08T05:32:00.000-08:00

1. What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before? I made a fascinator!

2. What are your New Year’s Resolutions? Lose weight, drink less alcohol, drink more water.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth in 2009? No. Wow!

4. Did anyone close to you die? No. Although there was a lot of death around in 2009. Was glad to see the back of that year. Several people I am close to lost dear ones.

5. What countries did you visit? France, Germany.

6 What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009? More money and a new car and a new job. Plus children who sleep!

7. What date(s) in 2009 will remain etched in your memory and why? 9th January. And also 25th April - I was bridesmaid to Clara my school friend!

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Going back into the workplace!

9. What was your biggest failure? I didn't lose any weight but I can't think of anything I really failed at! (thats because I am perfect ;) )

10. Did you suffer any illness or injury? Urgh. Lots in 2009 it was never-ending, which is unlike me but sure you know all about it!

11. What was the best thing someone bought you? My River Island vouchers were a huge hit!

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration? All my children's. They're stars even when they can be too much at times!

13. Whose behaviour appalled and depressed you? Again, you know who you are.

14. Where did most of your money go? Clothes and scrapbooking.

15. What did you get really, really excited about? Going to Disney and Germany.

16. What song(s) reminds you of 2009? Poker Face

17. Compared to last year are you... happier, same, poorer,

18. What do you wish you'd done more of? Going out for walks. Scrapping. Seeing friends.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of? Staying in watching crap TV. And Five films. Too naff.

20. How did you spend Christmas? At home with all my family! It was mayhem!

21. Did you fall in love in 2009? Nah, not so much!

22. What was your favourite TV program? Desperate Houswives!

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't this time last year? No. I still hate the same people (only one or two!!!). No-one new, although I do have less respect for some people than I did last year.

24. What was the best book you read? Ooooh hard one. Um, I read so many books and so many have stuck in my memory. Shanghai Girls by Lisa See, The Piano Teacher by Janice Y.K.Lee, When We Were Orphans by Kazuo Ishiguro, The Gift of Rain by Tan Twan Eng (was particularly good). Plus many many more...

25. What did you do on your birthday and how old were you? I was 35 and stayed in with my best friends Lu and Stu and Jon!

26. What was your best musical discovery? God knows. I am really into Florence and the Machine and La Roux. Plus Jon got me Ministry of Sound 80s Electronic Anthems this christmas which is amazing!

27. What did you want and get? Pretty much everything. I am fairly spoiled.

28. What was your favourite film of the year? The Hangover???

29. What did you want and not get? Enough sleep and Julia Roberts-esque legs. I also started the year thinking I wanted another baby. I didn't get one. And now I definitely don't want one!!!

30. What one thing would've made your year immeasurably more satisfying? More cash!!! Less pain. Oh that's two. Sorry!

31. How would you describe your fashion concept for 2009? Skinny and baggy (clothes, not me!)

32. What kept you sane? Wine (how sad actually)

33. Which celebrity or public figure did you admire most? Dannii Minogue went up in my estimation, as did Cheryl Cole.

34. What political issue stirred you most? Iraq. I just want our boys out of there :(

35. Who do you miss? I miss lots of people all of the time.

36. Who was the best new person you met? Sarah, Helen and Donna. I met some other new people who are fab (Claire C for one,) and got to know better some who were just aquaintances (Rachel from school).

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned. It's all just too precious and so short. And in just one day it can all change. I took action on that when I realised just how fragile life is back in January.

38. Quote a song line that defines your year. I can hardly remember what clothes I had on yesterday, This has tested me enough, my brain just can't compute this last one.

...and breathe!

2010-02-07T03:43:00.000-08:00

Well, yesterday appeared to have been a great success and everyone seemed to enjoy it. Morag's classes were a hit, and as usual so was Cleo's shop! I felt like I didn't stop all day, but I guess I must have done as I did 3 LOs, 2 cards and a mini-book! It was lovely to see all the regulars, and some who don't come so often, and we even had one or two new people too! I hope you all enojoyed it as much as I think you did. I've already had requests to arrange another Cropaganza, but it's going to have to wait a while for me to recover!!

These are the Love Muffins I bought for Deb, Rach and Rach. They were very very sticky. But forced down nonetheless.

Here are my 2 cards. A valentine card for Jon and an engagement card. Oh and my mini book which I love!

These are our special raffle prizes! Cris won first prize and I was truly worried for her safety! Aloootttt of people wanted that kit!

Here are my LOs, and yes I know I need to find another H! And Julie bought me these to say thankyou for organising the day. Wow, she certainly knows me better than I thought! I can't wait to get stuck into them, maybe tomorrow. Thanks Julie, you really shouldn't have xx

tempted???!

2010-02-05T11:02:00.000-08:00

If you're not coming to the Cropaganza tomorrow, then this is just a couple of things you're missing out on..... (the large pot in my fridge contains 30 portions of a very yummy chilli!)

and all was well!

2010-02-02T14:11:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am feeling calm, positive, happy and fulfilled this evening. And if that is just a tad too bright and breezy for you, well I do have toothache and a sore throat, but really my spirits can't be dampened! And these are the reasons why:

1) I have spent another lovely day with my scrapping buddies. I did two LOs, and added to one I did last night, plus a couple of simple cards. We giggled, we shared, we gossiped, we ate cake, and stroked stash. What more could I want?! I even used up some old *like, so last season* stash which gives me such a good feeling too!

2) I know I have another day like that coming very soon!

3) My husband has proved to me this past couple of weeks just how supportive he is of this expensive, demanding, space-filling, time consuming and (what's the word?) exclusively-female hobby I have. He's not so bad after all. (steady on).

4) My laptop is back in the land of the living (along with my car as per previous post - SO happy about that!). I don't have it in my hands yet, but it's on its way, with a DVD full of retrieved data, a new hard drive, fully restored with the latest Windows and my (Jon's) pocket is only £95 lighter. (Thankyou for all your advice and comments.I was all set to chuck it on a skip before I blogged and you left comments, Thanks!!!)

5) My bathroom is not going to be such a costly job after all. And I have come to terms with the mess and chaos in the meantime.

6) I have something very exciting happening on Monday which I can't tell you about just yet (although it's not scrapping-related so don't get too excited!)

So that's that. We do have a little sadness in the house at the moment, Cam is having some real problems which Jon and I are dealing with, but it's breaking our hearts. Parenting is just the hardest thing ever isn't it??

Anyway, here are my latest projects (I will take better pics tomorrow!):

Fun and games!!!

2010-02-01T02:05:00.000-08:00

We've had our run of 3 now - car died, laptop died, bathroom floor died. So it can't get any worse, can it?! I took all your pieces of advice, thankyou for all your comments. Sorry to hear that most of you have also been through the same laptop/photo losing nightmare, but I have now sent it in for a second opinion. As I didn't actually press the factory reset button it's all still there, so let's see if The Man #2 can retrieve it all and make it better.

Finally, after more than 2 months of maxing out at 2000 revs and not being able to go above 30mph unless going downhill (not a bad thing, after all, I am a reformed character following the Speed Awareness Workshop), and at least 5 trips to the Garage, my car is now at long last fixed and running smoothly. Just the bathroom to contend with - a slow leak has ruined our bathroom floor and we need a whole new one. It's all money isn't it!!!

Still, I'm feeling positive! I have done a bit of crafting this weekend, and have a whole week of it planned now! Tomorrow I'll be having another mini-crop with my buddies, making the most of Jon being off. And then of course, Saturday is not far away!!!!

So, here are a few things I've done this week. Only cards, but it's good to use stuff up and therapeutic to be making something nice, when I have all this c**p going on around me! ETA; The second card below was based on a card shown originally on Lilybean Paperie and then after seeing Deb and Rach's!!! Can't take the credit (although seriously mine is nowhere near as good as its predecessors!)

And finally, please say hello to the newest member of the (extended) family. Unfortunately, Charlie isn't mine, he lives with Mum, but I've fallen in love with him, and am working on Jon to get one of my own. He makes the smell and the hairs and the pawprints worth it. He's deaf which is really weird as it's instinctive to make silly mummy noises and say things like"come and give mummy a big slobbery kiss you gorgeous little poochy pooch".

Learn a valuable lesson from me :(

2010-01-26T12:35:00.000-08:00

Last week I realised my laptop has been going very slowly, so I started deleting old files, photos etc. All week I'd been meaning to get out and buy some CDs or a USB stick to store all of my 2009 photos, so I could clear some space off my laptop. I managed to save a few pics on a small USB stick, and then spent alot of time organising all my photos from Disney, our holiday to Germany, Christmas, New Year, the snow, and Cam's birthday all into one folder ready to send to Photobox and save to disc. Before I managed to do that, my laptop died. Completely, totally, absolutely, dead as a dodo. A very tearful trip to PC World confirmed what I suspected and The Man told me that I had little hope of retrieving anything, or even bringing my laptop back to life. I have brought it home while I spend some time thinking what to do, but my options are limited.

I am trying to keep this in perspective and remember that I have my memories, and most of all, I still have my children (!), but to say that I am gutted to have lost all those photos is an understatement. I can't find the word to describe how I'm feeling! Jon was trying to say the right things by telling me we have the memories and what's a few photos...we can take the kids out in the snow again.... but he doesn't get it. Not only will we never have photos of Bella in the snow at aged 2 again, or Cameron's 7th birthday, but in a way he was devalueing (sp? and is that even what I mean?!) my hobby that is so precious and important to me by dismissing the photos. In a way. Does that make sense??? Photos are such a huge part of scrapping after all!!! I have a whole pile of snowy stash upstairs which was just sat on my desk waiting for my snowy pics to arrive from Photobox and now they won't. I feel lost. I have crops to go to and classes which need photos and I don't know where to start.

And while Jon was trying to console me I brought up the fact that our old PC is still in the garage 4 years after dying, with all our baby pics waiting to be extracted, when he informed me that had gone to the tip ages ago.....I don't think that part has actually hit me yet.

I know in the grand scheme this is nothing. I do have many photos printed, and also saved on disk - albeit not in a very organised way - and I know in time I'll get over it. I just wanted to share my misery with other scrappers who might just get how I feel.

Any words of sympathy gratefully received :(

New layouts (and a couple to be seen at a later date!)

2010-01-19T14:21:00.001-08:00

Here are just a couple of sneaky peeks of two layouts I've done for Scrapbook Magazine. One included using a die that creates a pop-up feature on your layout or card. It was tricky but I love the finished result.

I've had a lovely day today, hanging out with my scrapping buddies. With Jon being off work, I thought how much he'd love to spend the day looking after his daughter, so I had a day off (!) and headed over to Deb's for a mini-crop. We had a giggle, some home-made soup (well, from the noises coming from the kitchen we assumed it was home made - unless Deb was imitating blender noises herself a la the 80s Nescafe (?) adverts!!), lots of cakes and I even managed three layouts! The two vintage-style layouts were done using a kit from Craftystash - bought for me by Deb for Christmas. I really enjoyed following the instructions and playing with the kit as the papers were gorgeous, but completely not what I would buy myself. And the theme made me dig out photos that I wouldn't normally choose to scrap either. I am so pleased with the results - thanks Deb! And the second layout has been done using the Scrapagogo November Kit. I love Sassafras and consequently I already had most of the items in the kit - papers, stickers, alphabets etc, but I have loved playing with it nevertheless. Again, these photos are not normally what I'd choose - I'm sure you as much as I do get a bit bored seeing the same 3 faces on every layout - but it's been fun all the same!!! Demo Deb did a little demo on Glimmer Mist for us, and Rach has inspired me to go all vintage with some wonderful ideas shared with me.

And finally, a couple of birthday cards I've made this month! One for Bella and one for Cam's last week. Sorry for all the pants photos, I will replace them tomorrow - the light's terrible in here!

Holiday pics!!

2010-01-19T02:34:00.000-08:00

So here are just a handful of photos from the christmas period chez Chance.

As you can see, the kids had a fab time in the snow. It was particularly lovely to see them playing this year, as for all his life Cam has been a real whingebag cry baby. I'm not being mean, he really has been, and it's all part of his "issues" (as Maddie would say!). Cam has never been how you would expect a happy little boy to be. But just this month, Jon and I have noticed a real change in him, and we commented how only last year, if we'd thrown a snowball at him, he would have run off crying. But this time, he couldn't get enough! (Check out his snowboobs!) We've really loved seeing him grow up and start to enjoy life a bit more the past month or two! Maddie threw herself into the snow -literally - like only Maddie would. Doing snow-angels face down, and not being content until she was completely, thoroughly wet. Bella was a little more calm and reserved, but loved it all the same. She wasn't at all happy about her bike being covered in snow and had a good old moan about that!

And check out my little "angels"!!!! Angels, hmmm...... Yeah right!

A photo of our New Year German (now english) tradition. Yep I know it looks like we're about to inject something Class A, but in reality we're melting lead to cast shadows and predict our future. That was cool, but ask me another time what I could see in mine!!!!

Our New Years Day walk, not far, but a chance to stretch our legs and get some air.

And finally, Cam's rock climbing party. Again, an example of how he's really throwing himself into life at the moment! He's learning from Maddie at last!!

New Years Resolutions gone to pot!!!

2010-01-17T11:34:00.000-08:00

Actually, that's not strictly true, since I haven't really started them! It's still party season in this house, so the #alcohol resolution not going too well. Nor the #food, or the #drinking lots of water. Have been using my night cream and am being super-nice to kids so I guess it's not all bad.

So the last time I updated my blog I was making christmas cards. Blimey that seems ages ago! Since then we've moved into a whole new decade, babies have been born, no-one's died thank goodness but boy that does seem a lifetime ago!!

Christmas came and went. Not as quickly or as tidily as that. It wasn't a case of it coming, and then going. It arrived, was chaos, followed by lots of people. More chaos. Mess, cooking, washing up, bins overflowing, enough recycling to keep a whole plant going. More alcohol. Some food (but mainly alcohol), more people, lots more mess. Oh, and presents, too many presents!!

The kids were great and loved their presents. I had some nice surprise gifts. Christmas day itself occurred with no tears involved (although a spillage or too). In between christmas and new year, we consumed an awful lot of cocktails, and really, it's all a bit of a blur!

We had a lovely New Years Eve, German-stylee. Which was fun. Mostly. The fireworks caused a lot of tears, but shouldn't have (since Jon knows full well that the kids are terrified of fireworks so why buy them) Have since discovered they woke neighbours kids up. sorry.) And I was so glad to see the back of 2009. Roll on 2010!!!

Lisa and Ralph left us on the 4th, and of course since then, nothing has been back to normal because of the snow. And once we'd got into the swing of the snow thing, birthdays started!! My baby boy turned 7 on wednesday and I'm still in shock!!! Talking of babies, my friend Lu had her baby boy on Cam's birthday which I thought was lovely!

Lisa and I managed 2 crops while she was over. One in, just the two of us, and one at the hall. Here are my most recent layouts!!! Plus a few christmas cards that I made just before christmas (credit to Jan and Lyn for not minding that I completely copied their designs!!). Some of my layouts have been done using sketches from Pagemaps.

My craft room has changed yet again, and I have a lovely new desk to play on. I'll post some photos of our holiday and my new room tomorrow. TFL!! xx

CROPAGANZA!!!!

2010-01-09T05:39:00.000-08:00

I know, I know, it's been tooooo long since I blogged, and I've been meaning to, honest, I will try and do so tomorrow. I have toooo much to remember!! In the meantime, here are some pics of the classes we will be having at our February CROPAGANZA!!!! Taught my Morag Cutts, there is a mini-book, a layout and a wall organiser. Email me asap if you haven't booked your place!!!

Decision made!

2009-12-16T11:51:00.000-08:00

Ok thanks for leaving your comments. I have wrapped the bags up anyway. To be perfectly honest, I wasn't that happy with them, but we're saving money this year and I'd made them anyway, so off they're going!

Somewhat happier with the cards I've made and here are just a couple of them. Plus Cam's card for me and Jon (apparently his teachers got him to make two as they are under the impression we live apart!). You can't see the detail here, but Cam is incredibly creative and really talented, he puts the most amazing amount of detail in his drawings, and is so inventive. I'm not boasting here, honest, it is really true and it's where his skills lie. I'm just as quick to tell anyone that although Maddie does do lovely cards and scrapbook pages, she's not as creative as Cam and can't draw anywhere near as well (but she is a fantastic reader, which Cam is not). I very much believe in making sure my kids know where their strengths and weaknesses lie, not because I want them to feel great about their strengths and bad about their weaknesses, but because we all have weaknesses and I feel that these days our culture is all about not failing, or being hurt, or having egos damaged, and people can become oversensitive because for too long everything in their life has been great!! Does that make sense??! We have yet to discover Bella's talents, but after taking her out for a day today I feel sure she's destined for the stage. She sure has a lot to say for herself these days!!!

I am longing for some time to scrapbook or make something lovely just for me. Maybe I won't bother with wrapping or cards tonight.....

And lastly, just a word about today's news. Emotions have risen again, after 11 months, as today three men have been convicted of murdering Craig Hodson-Walker, the postmaster's son at our local post office. Going up to school tonight, the road was full of police and press as they reported the latest news and it brought all the memories of January back. It's still too hard to believe that it really happened. His parents and family have been so brave and although justice has been done, it doesn't change anything and I just can't imagine how they'll deal with that.

Quick post - what do you think?

2009-12-15T08:00:00.001-08:00

Trying to save money on teachers' presents (god knows we have enough of them!) I have made these bags using my nestabilities and felt. Reusable bags are really in at the moment, and I made some similar ones for a local shop to sell. I am just not convinced about these though. My mum loves them, but Jon doesn't. Come on, I need your opinions before tomorrow night pls! Leave a comment!!!

Crazy time of year again!

2009-12-07T07:40:00.000-08:00

We have now entered the time of year where, if you have children, you really need to take a month off work and hire a full-time housekeeper. With parties, nativities, practices, crib services, discos, fetes, trips to santa. Not to mention 90-ish cards to write on behalf of your kids, and the hundreds you need to write for yourself, to friends, family, neighbours, and these days it seems the windowcleaner and paper boy! Bah humbug!!! And that's why I feel so grumpy!?!!

So, where have we been and what have we been up to? Well, to start with since I last posted Jon and I spent a fun weekend in London to watch the rugby. It was great fun, and we had a really good break away. Then it was action stations once we'd got back to pack for Disneyland. It was an incredibly long journey, particularly as my car now only does 60mph+ when it feels like it, and evidently, it doesn't like foreign countries. So we arrived in Paris, and headed straight out to the park. It was truly magical and so so pretty. Unfortunately, we didn't see any of the Princesses, or any of the bigger characters. Plus my camera packed up for half of the trip! But the kids loved it, and Jon even more so. It's funny as I had booked this trip thinking we were going for the kids, but it appeared I was wrong, and we'd actually gone for Jon!!! On a couple of occasions he imparted comments such as "I've done what they want for the past hour, now it's my turn" - can you believe??!!!! But that is Jon through and through. And why I sometimes want to tear my hair out and rip my own head off. It was FREEZING in Paris, and on the last evening, we were frozen stiff and pretty wet too, so we found a warm, cozy steakhouse to have our meal. It was quite posh really, and the lovely French waiter came over to ask what we would like, to which Bella replied, with her particularly pouty lips, "I want CHIPS!!!!". So classy, my girl.

The next day we meandered (and I mean that literally, still doing around 60mph - and that was with the kids peddling from the back), across to Germany. Again, it seemed to take forever, with essential tunnels closed, and fatal road accidents along the way. But we arrived safely, although with only 10 minutes to get ready and out for dinner.

The next evening was a party for Jon and Ralph's joint birthday round at Lisa's flat. It was a lovely evening with plenty of cocktails and wine! We spent the following day nursing small hangovers with gluhwein, at the Kempen christmas market and then back to the hotel ready for the big night!

Loads more cocktails, some karaoke, more food, bit more wine and by 1am we were done in!!

So all in all, it was a fab week! I didn't want to come home. Partly because I knew we had no heating or hot water to return to (long story!) and mostly because I love Germany and I wish I could live there.

So, onto last week, which was work, kids stuff, baby shower (great success if intimate to say the least), fab day with Rach and Deb, and Bella - having lunch and a spot of shopping, lovely night out round at Simon's, oh and the crop! We had a great, if cold, day, and even a surprise visit from Santa!! I only managed two LOs, but I spent a lot of time in the kitchen, trying to sort the heating and speaking to Cleo about the plans for our February Cropaganza.

I feel a bit happier today as I've actually found some time and sat down to do some christmas cards. It helps if you have a standard format, but just change the colours or papers. So I've whizzed up 16 so far.

oooh, yep, maybe, I think she's back!!!

2009-11-18T12:20:00.000-08:00

This blog is an emotional rollercoaster of "i''ve lost my mojo"... "where's it gone".... to "it's back yeay!"......!!!! And once again, that mojo of mine, I think is back. But don't hold your breath, we go away shortly and that will no doubt mean at least a fortnight of NO scrapping! :(

So, last night I finished a LO I'd started ages ago. It's not great, at ALL, but it was half-done so I had to finish it. Then I was on a mission to use up my September Scrapagogo kit since I have October and November sat here UNTOUCHED so I cracked onto another LO which I am really pleased with. I was sat here, looking at the page, struggling to think of a title and disregarding the usual suspects..."beautiful girl"....."so pretty"......"lovely smile".... blah. Whilst listening to The Streets doing an Elton number. A version I love too. And the lyrics were just PERFECT for my LO. But not just for my LO, but in life. Life is, literally, wonderful, now Madeleine is in the world. She makes life so happy and sunshiny and brilliant. She is such an infectiously happy, positive, funny, girl with the most amazing mind and sense of humour. I am jealous of her in a weird way as I wish I was like her - so confident and crazy and loveable!!! Anyway. I'm rambling and emotional......! So here it is. Then I whizzed up a card for Lisa which is now in the post - late, probably, but still the thought was there. I was well chuffed this afternoon to pick up my copy of Scrapbook Magazine. Maddie has made the front cover for the second time!!!! I was not at all happy with the LO I submitted for the winter theme, but now I've seen it in the mag I do quite like it! It's a pretty cool edition this month as Lisa also has 2 LOs in there - one with the Four Ways kit which was a real challenge for her, but she did brilliantly. It's a shame they don't show a picture of the kit for you to see what people have done with it. Then she has a lovely Winter LO which is so pretty too. I've done a little blog-hopping this week and found that two people I know have found real-life Enid Blyton-esque toadstools - you know the red ones with little white spots!!! I am so jealous. We have huge toadstoools in our garden right now, oh yes, but horrible mucky brown ones! So I was delighted to find these little beauties in my local garden centre in their Christmas display. I don't know what I'm going to do with them, but I will do something, for sure, and you can watch this space to see!

Work gets in the way!!!!

2009-11-17T03:13:00.000-08:00

Doesn't it just???!!! I'm enjoying it though, but I have found it just gets in the way of all the other things I want to do! This morning though, Bella's at preschool and I've done a LO for Scrapbook Magazine, and it's been a real luxury!

Going back to last week though. We had the Thursday Crop, which was fun as ever, and lovely to see the girls. But it may well be the last. We've decided that the Thursdays will probably not continue into the New Year. We often make a loss on the evenings, and for the effort that a few of us put in to run it, it's not worth it. Anyway, I did do two LOs last Thursday - I've really enjoyed the halloween layouts i've been doing! I love scrapping in black, and I'm really into orange at the moment too. What do you think of Jon's papier mache pumpkins??!! I've also added the finished result of one I started at the Skrapz retreat. Speaking of which, they've asked me to go back in June which is fab! I'm so chuffed!!! Get over there now and book your place, it would be such a laugh to get a few of you over there!

Here's a sneak peek of the LO i've done for SBM, on the theme of Love! There seems to be a lot of luurrrrvvvveee in our house at the moment...! I will try and blog again later this week with an update of what the Chances have been doing! It's been manic so surely we must have done something???!

On a high!!

2009-11-09T11:03:00.000-08:00

I had such a great time on saturday at the Skrapz retreat! I managed to get there at about 7:50am, and pretty soon after found Jane and Lyn. I was really good and got stuck straight into some scrapping, completing one layout before my first class at 10am! I could tell that I was on a roll and it would be a productive day. My first class went well. At first I was really nervous, but I took a deep breath, stopped to get my thoughts, and my nerves soon went. I think the girls all enjoyed class and liked the LO. The thing with classes is that it's kind of meant to stretch you, and get you doing things that you normally wouldn't, so in that sense I hope that it worked.

Lunch was delicious, and a bit giggly, which is fine by me, and I dashed straight back to complete two more layouts before my second class. I was on a halloween roll - which is just as well as I have tons of halloween photos to scrap!! The second class was fun, I felt much less nervous and we had all got to know each other and find a few topics to giggle about! A couple of minor dramas in the class, but it finished nicely and I think everyone was pleased with the end result. I forced myself to do another two layouts before allowing myself to shop. I had a modest shop, picking up a few nice bits and pieces and walked away happy!vThe fifth LO isn't finished and needs an alphabet, I can't find one that's just right at the moment so I'm on the hunt!

I absolutely loved teaching the classes at Skrapz, and it's made me think that maybe we should offer some beginners classes at the crop to get some more people in and interested. I feel confident enough to do that now, and I know it's something that people have enquired about before.

So I got home and wanted to carry on scrapping all evening, but we had friends round and I couldn't. But I am hoping to carry on this evening!

The LO with Bella on, is called Halloween Witch (and yes I know there is an E missing!) - this is because when we would ask her what she was dressing up as at Halloween, we'd say a witch? and she'd say NO!! a HALLOWEEN witch!!!

Today I found some time to catch up on crop organisation! I have all the dates booked for 2010 now, and we have some exciting things planned. A Christmas party next month, and our supercrop in February, subsidised by the Crop Tin. Contact me for more information on classes, the party or the Supercrop!!

Apart from all that, I am as busy as ever, now working 3 mornings a week. It's fun, but I do wonder if i'll get time to scrap ever again, or if I just need to book loads of crops to get out there and do some!!! Thanks for looking :)

Hmm, now I'm sure I had a hobby...if only I could remember!

2009-11-03T01:42:00.000-08:00

Every other post on this blog seems to be moaning that I haven't done any scrapping for ages. It feels like soooo long since I've done any, I'm sure I've forgotten the basics. Hmm, glue, scissors, paper, right? Well, I have been busy, and I have been under the weather, and I guess I've just lost my passion for it over the past few weeks. I'm sure it will come back. I don't know how some people find the time though. When did kids get so demanding??!!!! They are taking up all my time at the moment, which I suppose is the role of a parent, but I look back to days of when they were smaller and life was so much easier - they would go to bed early, and no homework, 25 different after school clubs, projects, costumes to organise, social life to co-ordinate etc etc!!! Talking to my neighbour today who has a 2 month old and can't get out of the house while the clock still says AM, I had to giggle inside - IT ONLY GETS HARDER!!!!!!!!! Still, we had a good week off at half-term, with a few trips out, and a looooooot of papier-mache sessions (don't ask!) in! We celebrated halloween in true Chance style (lots of food, lots of alcohol, too many children and a loooooot of mess!). This week though, they're back at school, I started my new job, and have a applied for a second job which I am really keen on (will tell you if I get it!), and in an attempt to wear Maddie out (it hasn't yet been achieved in nearly six years of her life), she started Jazz/Disco on top of her Ballet and Tap today. One and half hours of dance after a full day at school, and you know what? She was still bouncing around at 7.30pm tonight. This weekend I am off to the Skrapz retreat. I didn't get an overnight pass, but do have clearance from The Boss (yeah right, that's what I call him but inside I know who the real Boss is!) for as long as I want on the Saturday. I have a tote packed full, a couple of hundred photos, an ipod and some spending money and I-cannot-wait!!!!!! Here's a couple of photos of our past week and hopefully next week I'll have some new LOs to share!

Annus Horribilis

2009-10-23T01:56:00.000-07:00

I've said before now, that this year has been horrid from start to (almost) finish. So many people I know have had real tragedy in their lives this year losing people close to them, or if not tragedy, then at least minor or major traumas, nightmares, illnesses, injuries, etc. For me, luckily, nothing serious has happened - I haven't lost anyone close to me, and the children have been happy and healthy. But I have had the worst year for illness myself! I am normally a really healthy person, but this year it's been one thing after another, and even I am getting fed up with hearing myself moaning about how crap I feel - so I dread to think how my family are feeling!!

This week, it's been all about my tooth, and I have been so fed up that I haven't been scrapping, and I really didn't even want to go to the Crop last night - yep, that's how bad I've been!

But I'm glad I did go, it was nice to see everyone, and I'm sorry I was really pathetic and boring, but I'll be back on form soon!!

Here are my most recent layouts. Not brilliant, but at least I've done a bit! And just a couple of pics of my baby girl - where'd she go??!!! All grown up now!!

Scary!!!

2009-10-18T10:40:00.001-07:00

It's scary just how quickly these kids grow up, and frightening how grown-up she looks with a bit of scary make-up! This is Maddie going for a halloween sleepover last night, and the first two of my LOs using the Scrapagogo September Kit. TFL! xx